World Police and Fire Games concludes in Chengdu

Athletes compete in the beach volleyball match during the 2019 World Police and Fire Games in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The 2019 World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) concluded on Aug 18 in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province.

Known as the Olympics of policemen and firefighters, the WPFG is held every two years and is open to active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel from across the world. It is the first time in the event's 34-year history that it has been held in Asia.

The 10 day event attracted 7,718 policemen and firefighters from 80 countries and regions competing in 56 events including boxing, darts, indoor rowing, and special programs for policemen and firefighters, such as stair climbing and police motorcycle events.

A competitor takes part in the weight lifting competition at the 2019 World Police and Fire Games in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Forty-eight events were open to the public for free, drawing tens of thousands of attendees to watch the games every day, according to the organizing committee.

An international police and fire equipment expo was also held from Aug 9 to 11. The expo attracted 400 exhibitors from home and abroad, signing intention agreements worth 330 million yuan ($46.8 million).

In an effort to better serve the athletes from around the world, Chengdu recruited more than 6,000 volunteers, as well as provided participants with free public transportation and preferential prices for scenic spots, hotels, and airline tickets.

Most local attractions were open for free to WPFG participants with valid certificates. They included the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Qingcheng Mountain, which is famed for Taoism culture, as well as the ancient street Kuanzhai Alley and the Dufu Thatched Cottage.

An athlete competes at the 2019 World Police and Fire Games in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"The organizers did a very good job and the city left a deep impression on me," said Larry Collins, president of the California Police Athletic Federation, adding that he believed Chengdu is capable to hold more large-scale international events.

Collins said that the experience and memories in Chengdu will be unforgettable in his life, and that he will recommend his family and friends to come and visit Chengdu.

"The Chinese friends are very friendly and hospitable," said Meike Frie, a German athlete who won one gold and one bronze medal. During the events, she was invited by Chinese participants to see the giant pandas and try hot pot.

Frie is due to retire in four years. She said that she will come back to Chengdu after retirement to visit friends here and enjoy the beauty of the city.

Government officials in Chengdu said that they believe that the WPFG marks the new start of the city's goal to build itself into a famous destination for global sports events.

The city has won the bid to host the 31st Summer Universiade in 2021, the 56th World Team Table Tennis Championships in 2022, and the World Games in 2025.

From 2018 to 2020, the city is scheduled to host 67 international sporting events, half of which will be at the level above intercontinental championship.

The 2021 World Police and Fire Games will be held in Rotterdam, Netherlands.