Fairfax 2015 announced today that Frank Keating, president and CEO of the American Bankers Association and former Governor of Oklahoma, would be joining the Honorary Board of the 2015 World Police & Fire Games.

Keating, who won national acclaim for his compassionate and professional handling of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City, joins the WPFG Honorary Board just weeks prior to the 20th anniversary of this tragic event. 

“The addition of Frank Keating to our Honorary Board is only fitting as he has first-hand experience as a law enforcement officer and working with and directing first responders in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing,” said Fairfax 2015 Board Chair and Cardinal Bank President, Kevin Reynolds. “It is a tribute to these brave men and women that Governor Keating has agreed to serve in this capacity.”

Keating joins a notable list of Honorary Board members including among others, Virginia Governor, Terry McAuliffe, Former US Secretary of State, General Colin Powell, Former Director of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge, President and CEO of Northrop Grumman, Wes Bush, President of George Mason University, Ángel Cabrera and Gerry Connolly , Barbara Comstock and Don Beyer of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I am honored to join such an esteemed group of supporters of the 2015 World Police & Fire Games,” said Governor Keating.  “More so, I am pleased to have the opportunity to show my support for the first responder community.  I have a great respect these amazing individuals having seen them in action during difficult times.  They are more than deserving of our respect and admiration.”

Born in St. Louis, Keating grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from the University of Oklahoma.  His 30-year career in law enforcement and public service included service as an FBI agent; U.S. Attorney and state prosecutor; and Oklahoma House and Senate member.

In 1993 Keating won a three-way race for Oklahoma Governor by a landslide and was easily re-elected in 1998 becoming only the second governor in Oklahoma history to serve two consecutive terms.  Keating also served Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush in the Treasury, Justice and Housing departments.

 

~Chef Rj Cooper vs. Fairfax County Firemen~

(FAIRFAX, VA) March 2015 – In anticipation of the Fairfax 2015 World Police & Fire Games, ~Gypsy Soul~ (8296 Glass Alley; Fairfax, VA, 22031; 703.992.0933; www.gypsysoul-va.com) is hosting firemen of various Fairfax County firehouses to go up against James Beard award-winning Chef RJ Cooper in a chili cook-off battle event.  Each Monday beginning March 2^nd, and ending March 30^th, firehouses have a chance to raise money benefitting this biennial athletic event, open to active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel throughout the world.

Located in the Mosaic District in the Merrifield neighborhood of Fairfax, Virginia, ~Gypsy Soul~ is centrally located for the Games’ approximate 12,000 entrants (slightly more than the Summer Olympic Games) and 5,000 volunteers and is also a supporter of Fairfax 2015. 

“I have profound respect for first responders.  The bravery they perform daily is priceless. As a cook, I have heard about these amazing firehouse cooks, and well, let’s just say challenge on!  Chili is like pizza – it’s all deeply personal and let’s see who comes out of the fire!” says Chef Cooper in response to the weekly battle throwdown.

The launch date of this battle royal is March 2^nd.  Each team, Chef RJ Cooper vs. a Fairfax County Fireman, will prepare 50 portions to serve at both lunch and dinner service at ~Gypsy Soul~.  Guests receive two bowls of chili along with a ballot for $10.  The votes are tallied at the end of the day and the winner is announced the following morning via social media.  Customers must buy the chili in order to vote.  First come, first served and firemen will be on hand to discuss the Games and chili cook-off throughout the weeks.  If the firehouse wins, the Games receive 100% of the chili revenue from that day.  If Chef wins, they receive 50% - the stakes are high!  The Firehouse to receive the most votes receives a pig roast by Chef Cooper.

“This partnership is an example of the type of excitement the 2015 World Police & Fire Games are bringing to this community,” states Bill Knight, President and CEO of Fairfax 2015, Inc., the organizing committee for the Games.  “We are excited to work with Chef RJ Cooper and his team to promote the Games and provide a platform for Fairfax County Firefighters to showcase their culinary skills!”

To further the stakes, each Monday is a different chili style.
March 2^nd:  Red Chili
March 9^th:  Chili Verde
March 16^th: Vegetarian Chili
March 23^rd:  Venison Chili
March 30^th:  Turkey Chili

About Award-Winning Chef RJ Cooper

Chef RJ Cooper is a Detroit native who’s resume spans over 20 years in some of the top kitchens in the U.S.  A graduate of The Culinary School at Kendall College in Chicago, he has worked with esteemed colleagues including Jean Joho, Tony Mantuano, Daniel Schaffhauser, Guenter Seeger, Eric Ripert, and Jeff Buben.  Chef was honored in 2007 by the James Beard Foundation with the Best Chef Mid-Atlantic award for his work at Vidalia in Washington, DC.  The host of the online television series “Chefs of Anarchy” and Iron Chef America battle chef, Cooper owns Rogue 24 in Washington, D.C., a restaurant where his passion and love for the culinary craft, paired with old and new world technique, and laced with a bit of rock and roll form this three-star adventure in dining.  ~Gypsy Soul~ in Fairfax, Virginia, is his second restaurant and features his devotion to the American farmer through life at the table.  He is an active member in many local and national non-profits focusing on hunger, children and local community.  Cooper resides in McLean, Virginia, with his wife, Judy, and twin daughters, Bridgette and Ava, and is often seen on his Harley-Davidson with hair blowin’ in the wind seeking out the next great ingredient to his cooking.

Media Relations:
Bronwyn Jimenez
Gypsy Soul
PR@gypsysoul-va.com
Tel. 202.288.4049

Surrounded by tech solutions, online colleges, associations and healthcare companies, the 2015 World Police & Fire Games booth stood out at the National Sheriffs’ Association Winter Meetings. A significantly smaller event then the annual conference hosted over the summer, the NSA Winter Meetings attract Sheriffs from all over the United States and the world.  Keynote speakers included Jeh Johnson, Secretary of Homeland Security and James B. Comey, Director of the FBI.  For the Games team it was an excellent opportunity to get in front of the decision makers at Sheriffs’ offices to promote the Games and create new advocates!

'That's so freaking cool' said Greg Hamilton, Sheriff of the Travis County, Texas, after watching the ‘Courage on Display' information video about the 2015 Games (www.fairfax2015.com/courage). That reaction was typical throughout the conference from those who knew about the Games and those who were introduced for the first time. 

'Events like this one give us an opportunity to engage with members of sheriffs’ departments, continue to promote the Games and encourage others to get involved not only because of the great camaraderie the Games provide but also to focus on the original mission of the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF) - to promote physical fitness within the public safety profession' said Tony Shobe, Director, Sports for Fairfax 2015 and a 2nd Lt. with the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office. 

 Actor Erik Estrada was also walking the Exhibit Hall rows, promoting his non-profit that focuses on providing bulletproof vests to agencies that cannot afford them. He even took the time to pose for pictures with exhibitors including, Fairfax County Firefighter and Athlete Recruiter for Fairfax 2015, Charlie Ray.

For more information on the National Sheriff Association and their events and program please visit; www.sheriffs.org 

Starting on #GivingTuesday  (Tuesday, December 2), the Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships will launch their annual “12 Ways of Giving” Program to promote giving to local nonprofits leading up to the Holiday season.

Fairfax 2015 is committed to providing the best athlete experience to each of the 12,000 plus public safety officials during next summer’s World Police & Fire Games. You can help ensure these humble heroes have the experience of a lifetime while visiting Fairfax County and the National Capital Region by donating through the “12 Ways of Giving” program.

To donate please visit: http://www.fairfaxcountypartnerships.org/enews/Ways_to_give_1214.html.

 

The 2015 World Police & Fire Games will feature 12,000 public safety athletes from 70 countries taking part in 61 sports in 53 area venues.  And it will take approximately 4,000 VOLUNTEERS backing them up to make it all happen.  The very good news is that over 1,200 VOLUNTEERS have already registered with many more on the way.  You can still be a part of this amazing event and help welcome the world to Fairfax County and the National Capital Region.

VOLUNTEER opportunities exist in multiple areas of interest including, Games Ambassadors, Special Events, Venues and Competition, PR and Marketing, Operations and more.  During the Games, the volunteers will be looked upon to provide dozens of roles and functions...everything from welcoming athletes, family and guests, assisting our sports coordinators at each competition venue, to helping behind the scenes with technology, medical, protocol, communications and marketing. We are also looking for sport specific volunteers with tasks that range from the posting and dissemination of competition results to line judges and officials.

"Our volunteers are the heart and soul of this event, both during the Games next summer and over the course of the next several months as we plan for these competitions," said Kim Palmese, Director, Workforce for Fairfax 2015. The recruitment phase kicked off earlier this fall, as the Fairfax 2015 staff relied heavily on the high number of volunteers needed to help man the World Police & Fire Games information booth, assisting with the junior ultimate fire fighter competition and several other tasks at events held throughout Fairfax County and the region.

"Words cannot express the gratitude that we have for our public safety officials, but actions can," Palmese said. "It is because of this that we encourage all area residents to volunteer and support the public safety officials who have dedicated their lives to serving us and our community. “Join us in support of our everyday Heroes and welcome the world to Fairfax County and the National Capital Region!”

COMPETE
VOLUNTEER
CHEER ON THE WORLD

Imagine growing up as a young boy, constantly being told to be careful. Not the kind of “be careful” where your mom catches you roughhousing with your sibling; this kind of “be careful” is the one where a doctor tells you not to ride a bike or play sports

A young boy told at an early age that he can’t ride a bike, play football, or play soccer seems a little unfair.

Such is the childhood endured by Adam Wilson. Born with a blockage that caused one kidney to deteriorate while impacting development of the other, “be careful” was an everyday staple of Wilson’s life.

But did he listen?

What do you think?

Against doctor’s orders, he still rode bikes and enjoyed a relatively normal childhood, just minus the sports. This routine followed him all through high school, ultimately causing the military to turn him down.

Of course, none of this would stop Adam Wilson.

Fueled by an extremely competitive attitude he knew sitting on the sidelines had gone on long enough.  He started running ultimately setting his sights on an ultra-marathon. His nephrologist insisted that he give up long distance running because of the pressure it puts on the kidneys so Wilson made a deal, “I would come right back after my ultra-marathon (the North Face Endurance Challenge in Atlanta) and if my kidney function had dropped I would stop.”   After the race, Wilson returned to the doctor and was delighted to learn that his Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) numbers had actually improved!  Scratching his head, the doctor decided that Wilson’s one kidney was more efficient than most. Deemed essentially healthy, he was given the green light to pursue whatever he wanted.

Since the ultra-marathon, Wilson joined the Gastonia Police Department’s SWAT team, a highly-regarded squad that has won many competitions including a world championship on ESPN. Wilson saw this as an opportunity to pursue a dream he coveted since his childhood: he wanted to be part of a team. “I’ve always had a ‘going to the extreme’ personality,” he said. “If I am going to start running, I want to run an ultra- marathon, If I am going to be a cop, I want to be SWAT. If I work out, I want to make it as crazy as possible.” SWAT is not just any team, Wilson says.  “It’s about as intense as it gets.”  And to better his performance as part of that team, and to better himself, Wilson took up CrossFit®.

He got hooked right away.  If he wasn’t competitive before, he most certainly is now. “CrossFit® is about mental toughness and who can keep pushing forward whenever you feel like quitting,” he says. “You can never be finished getting better.”

Adam Wilson will participate in next summer’s World Police & Fire Games as part of its first ever CrossFit® competition and he is going to enjoy every minute. “I know that the WPFG does not come around my area very often and I don’t know how many chances I will have in my career to take part in an event like this.  I want to make the most of it.”

With his wife, Amy, and their three-pound Yorkie, Ben, in his corner, Adam is ready to take on the world. Even with one kidney he is clearly a force with which to be reckoned.

When the Toughest Competitor Alive (TCA) takes center stage at next summer’s World Police & Fire Games, one participant to watch will be a 14-year veteran firefighting mother of three from Toronto, Ontario.

A First Class Firefighter and Shift Training Instructor for Toronto Fire Services, Tamara Sylvan participated in the TCA during the New York Games in 2011.  While she failed to reach the podium, she can take solace in her effort.  “It was a great experience,” she said.  “The competition was fierce --  watch out for those Spanish ladies!  I managed some personal bests but I still have a long way to go before I medal.  I will be pushing extra hard this winter to make sure I come back stronger than I did in 2011.”

One of the most demanding of all the competitions, TCA actually consists of eight events over a single day.  It begins with a 7 a.m. 5K cross country “run from hell,” as Tamara describes it followed by shotput and a 100-meter dash at the track.  Competitors then move to the pool for a 100 meter swim sprint before heading to the gym for a 20-foot, hands-only rope climb followed by bench press and pull-ups.  The competition concludes outdoor with a firefighter/EMT obstacle course which includes a dummy drag, monkey bars and wall climb.

While Toronto Fire sends hundreds of competitors to the Games and several compete in multiple sports, TCA will be Tamara’s only event.  “Trust me when I tell you, one is enough with TCA,” she says.  

The training, Tamara says, is intense.  “For me, it’s incredibly challenging balancing training, three kids, full-time firefighting and owning my own CPR and First Aid company,” she says.  “I am also on the board of directors for The Toronto Firefighters Toy Drive, I teach at Toronto-area colleges and I also need to find some time for hubby who owns his own fitness studio and designs all of my training programs and nutrition.”  

With the games less than 10 months away, Tamara expects to elevate that training in the coming months.  “While most TCA competitors train harder in summer, I have to scale back because my three kids are out of school, so I will be ramping up my training efforts and time significantly this winter. I feel that I am a bit behind in training right now, but we will have to wait and see what happens. I am crossing my fingers that my back and shoulder will hold up!”

For a detailed look at next Summer’s Toughest Competitor Alive event, please visit http://fairfax2015.com/sports/tca

In an effort to help spread the word about next summer’s Games and attract both volunteers and participants from local communities, Fairfax 2015, the not-for-profit corporation created to administer the World Police & Fire Games, will participate in several community events and public activities over the next 10 months.  

“From the Reston Triathlon to the Virginia State Police Chief’s Association Annual Conference, Fairfax 2015 will have a major presence at some of the most popular and heavily attended public events and functions in and around Northern Virginia,” said Manager of Community Outreach, Courtney Counts.  “Depending on the nature of each event, we plan to do something a little different each time around.”  At the October 4 and 5 Fall for Fairfax Festival, for example, Fairfax 2015 will host  the “2014 Fall for Fairfax Invitational Pickleball Doubles Tournament” while fielding a chili cookoff team as part of Oktoberfest Reston’s Guns ‘N Hoses competition on October 11 and12.

At each event, Fairfax 2015 will distribute competition information while furthering their call for volunteers, upwards of 4,000 of which will be needed to help facilitate next Summer’s Games.

Upcoming events at which the World Police & Fire Games Team will activate include:

Pink Heelz, Reston Town Center (Sept. 6) and at Fairfax Government Center (Sept. 9)

Fall for Fairfax Community Festival, Fairfax Government Center (Oct. 4 - 5)

Youth For Tomorrow County Fair & Auction, Bristow, VA (Oct. 4)

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Ride to Remember, Washington, DC, (Oct. 11 - 12)

Oktoberfest Chili Cookoff Competition, Reston, VA (Oct. 11)

For additional information, or to volunteer for next summer’s Games, please visit www.fairfax2015.com.

You might think that 12,000 police officers and firefighters all gathered in one place would be enough to handle any potential situation that might arise; but when the World Police & Fire Games comes to Fairfax County next summer, that number will fall short by about three or four thousand.  

What could possibly be needed over and above that throng?

The answer is: VOLUNTEERS.

When the 2015 World Police & Fire Games turns Northern Virginia into the largest athletic playground the area has ever seen, a virtual army of VOLUNTEERS will be necessary to ensure that the 61 different individual, team and tactical events spread across 53 venues in ten days will come off without a hitch.  To facilitate that need, Fairfax 2015, the non-profit organization established to manage the Games, has formally launched its VOLUNTEER drive with an eye toward that lofty objective.  

“Our VOLUNTEERS will be the backbone, heart and soul of our event, both during the Games next summer and over the course of the next 10 months leading up to the Games,” said Kim Palmese, Director, Workforce for Fairfax 2015.  “We will look to these individuals for dozens of roles and functions … everything from welcoming visitors, transporting athletes and assisting our sports coordinators at each competition venue to helping behind the scenes with technology, medical, protocol, communication, marketing, even the posting and dissemination of competition results.”

The rewards, Palmese says, will surely transcend the time devoted.  “The World Police & Fire Games offers our VOLUNTEERS the opportunity to inspire, celebrate and honor those public safety officials who give so much to us every day of the year,” she said.  “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play a major role in one of the largest, multi-sport, multi-venue events the world has ever seen.”

According to Palmese, VOLUNTEER opportunities are available immediately.  While college and university interns are already contributing their time, talents and capabilities for real-world experience and school credits, supporting needs are very much prevalent throughout every division within the Fairfax 2015 corporate office.  Additionally, Fairfax 2015 will create their own series of proprietary promotional events and participate in a series of external, existing events, virtually all of which require VOLUNTEER support.

“Words cannot express the gratitude that we have for our public safety officials, but actions can,” Palmese said. “As such, we encourage all area residents to VOLUNTEER and support the public safety officials who have dedicated their lives to serving us and our community.”

To VOLUNTEER, please contact Kim Palmese at volunteer@fairfax2015.com or visit www.fairfax2015.com/volunteer.

Inova Health Systems and Northrop Grumman added to growing list of corporations to honor global First Responders in commitment to make Fairfax 2015 Games the best ever from athlete, audience and host community perspectives  

FAIRFAX, VA – With just under a year until the Opening Ceremonies of the Fairfax 2015 World Police & Fire Games (www.fairfax2015.com), a significant trend is emerging. Corporations with global reach are lining up in financial support of the Games, seeking to honor the 12,000 First Responder athletes expected to compete at more than 50 venues throughout the National Capital Region. The latest to join the growing list of “Official Partners” of the Games are Inova Health Systems and Northrop Grumman. They will join existing Partners - Scott Safety, Keolis, SAIC, and Pierce Manufacturing - in honoring global First Responders and providing crucial investment in logistical and infrastructure support for the Games.

For sponsors, the Fairfax 2015 Games present a unique opportunity to balance leadership in corporate responsibility with exposure to thousands of First Responders and public and private sector decision makers tasked with upholding the safety of communities worldwide.“Corporate Partners provide the margin of excellence in our presentation and promotion of the Fairfax 2015 Games, enabling us to provide truly world-class support for the athletes, their families, and thousands of spectators,” said Bill Knight, CEO of the Fairfax 2015 World Police & Fire Games. “Our Partners understand the power of investing in the quality of the experience both on and off the field of competition, and how those investments can translate to achieving business objectives within the National Capital Region and around the world.”

Over 12,000 athletes are expected to travel from 70 countries to compete in 60 championship sports, continuing a tradition that started with the inaugural Games in 1985 and outnumbers even the Summer Olympics in terms of competitors (10,568 athletes participated in the 2012 London Olympics). The event is a strong draw for accompanying family and friends, and is expected to drive between $60-80 million in economic activity throughout the region.

"Inova is honored to be part of the World Police & Fire Games by supporting these deserving men and women from all over the world," said Knox Singleton, CEO, Inova. "These heroes have an essential duty within our global communities and we applaud them for all they stand for."Northrop Grumman’s Vice President of Global Corporate Responsibility, Sandra Evers-Manly echoes those views. "First responders are fundamental to our global security,” she said. “Northrop Grumman is pleased to be a sponsor of the World Police & Fire Games taking place here in our backyard. We look forward to cheering on these heroes and ‘sheroes’ and are grateful for their daily commitment to keep us safe."

The countdown to the Games was formally kicked off in May by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe at Fairfax County Fire Department Fire Station 42, joined by prominent members of the regional First Responder and business communities. Governor McAuliffe is serving as Chairman of an Honorary Board alongside Vice Chair Tom Ridge, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and 43rd Governor of Pennsylvania. They are joined on the Honorary Board by former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, U.S. Congressmen Gerry Connolly, James Moran and Frank Wolf, and Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran. More than a dozen executives from the private sector complete the Honorary Board.

Companies interested in learning more about the Fairfax 2015 World Police & Fire Games should contact Michael O’Brien, Vice President of Corporate Development, at (703) 324-2480 or michael.obrien@fairfax2015.com.

About the Fairfax 2015 World Police & Fire Game:
The World Police & Fire Games are the second largest multi-sport event in the world, surpassed only by the Summer Olympic Games. The event draws more than 12,000 athletes from police, fire and other public safety agencies representing 70 different countries to compete in 1,600 medal events across 40 sports. Fairfax 2015 is a nonprofit 501(c)3 established to organize, manage and operate all activities related to hosting the 2015 Games which will take place throughout the National Capital Region June 26 to July 5, 2015. Visit www.fairfax2015.com for more information.

# # # #

Media Contacts:
Stephen Zack, VP of Marketing & Communications, World Police & Fire Games: 
stephen.zack@fairfax2015.com and 703-324-2460

Kerry Lynn Bohen, Brotman|Winter|Fried Communications:
kbohen@aboutbwf.com and 202-468-8300

Opening Ceremonies for the Fairfax 2015 World Police & Fire Games will be held at the historic Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C. - affectionately known as “RFK” around the globe. RFK is the current home for Major League Soccer's D.C. United. Many remember this great stadium as the previous home to football's Washington Redskins and baseball's Washington Nationals.

In 2011, the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™, an annual football game between two historically black colleges and universities, joined the diverse schedule of events at the stadium. Music fans have also been thrilled by performances under the stars at RFK by artists such as Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, U2, the Eagles and the Grateful Dead. An illustrious roster of legends have passed through the stadium doors, but the evidence shows, the future is as bright as ever.

And now this great stadium will host public safety athletes of both law enforcement and fire services from over 70 countries. It is our hope to produce an Opening Ceremony fitting of these great heroes.

Getting To RFK Stadium
We encourage all athletes and guests to take Metrorail for the 2015 World Police & Fire Games Opening Ceremonies. Both the BLUE and the ORANGE lines will take you to the Stadium - Armory stop. The stadium entrance is just a very short walk from the Metro station. Games volunteers will direct you to the appropriate entrances.

 

ATM Machines
ATM Machines are located throughout the stadium:
200 Level (Main Concourse)

• Behind Section 207 – Near Gate A
• Behind Section 219 – Near Gate F

300 Level

• Behind Section 318 – Near the D.C. United Team Store

Credit Cards
The food concessions operated by Centerplate accepts Visa, Mastercard and Discover at all concession locations throughout the stadium.

Elevators
There is an elevator available for disabled persons and patrons with suite tickets by the RFK Stadium Administrative Office entrance at Gate A (near Section 208). There is also an elevator located within the stadium at Section 210.

Guest Services
Guest Services is located on the 300 level behind Section 307. Guest Services representatives assist fans during games with stadium information, lost children, driving directions, car trouble and wheelchairs.

Lost and Found
Guests needing to claim or report lost items during our event should visit Guest Services on the 300 level behind Section 307. Guests may contact Lost and Found at (202) 608-1100 to inquire about and/or retrieve lost items.

Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited in all seating areas of RFK Stadium. 

Umbrellas
Umbrellas are not permitted in the stadium for the safety and sight lines of other fans. Rain gear of choice is a poncho. For more information, please see the list of prohibited/permitted items.