The upcoming 2027 World Police & Fire Games in Perth has announced a significant community partnership with the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation, promising to bring joy and support to young patients ahead of the international sporting event.
A Heartwarming Alliance for a Global Event
As Perth prepares to welcome up to 10,000 competitors from approximately 70 countries for the 2027 World Police & Fire Games, organisers have forged a meaningful new alliance with the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation. This partnership aims to ensure that children receiving care at the hospital will be among the clear beneficiaries when thousands of athletes descend on Western Australia next year.
Young Ambassadors Lead the Way
To celebrate this collaboration, three young ambassadors from the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation recently challenged local first responders to a series of fun games. Twelve-year-old Ruth Davey, ten-year-old Tyler Stewart, and nine-year-old Nate Fearnall participated in activities including tug-of-war, mini golf, and cornhole alongside police officers, firefighters, and paramedics.
All three children have extensive experience with hospital care. Ruth and Nate have lived with cerebral palsy throughout their lives, while Tyler sustained severe burns and a badly broken leg during a family holiday in New York in 2024.
"We were celebrating Christmas Day in New York when a taxi veering out of control hit us from behind," explained Tyler's mother, Rebecca Stewart. "The driver had a medical episode behind the wheel. We didn't even see it coming."
With multiple surgeries still ahead for Tyler, his family sees the upcoming games as a positive event to anticipate during his recovery journey.
Connecting Beyond Crisis Situations
Games Executive Director, Inspector Jeremy Petersen, emphasised the unique opportunity this partnership presents. "By creating these partnerships with PCH Foundation, we're in a unique position to connect with our own community and connect with kids and their families in an environment that isn't a crisis situation," he stated.
The World Police & Fire Games are open to all serving, retired, and volunteer members of law enforcement, fire services, corrections, emergency services, and paramedics. This inclusive approach allows a broad spectrum of first responders to participate in the international competition.
Fundraising for Rehabilitation Services
Perth Children's Hospital Foundation Chief Executive Carrick Robinson highlighted how the games will provide children undergoing treatment with opportunities to engage with first responders in light-hearted and joyful ways. Additionally, the partnership represents a fantastic opportunity to raise crucial funds for Kids Rehab WA, an organisation that helps seriously ill children relearn essential skills like walking and talking.
Paramedic Taryn Mildenhall, who plans to compete in the open-water swim and half-marathon events, expressed her personal commitment to supporting the hospital foundation. "I'm passionate about supporting PCH because of everything it has done for my three-year-old son, who has a rare genetic syndrome," she shared.
A Historic Moment for Perth
The World Police & Fire Games are held biennially, but 2027 will mark the first time Perth has hosted this prestigious international event. Adelaide was the last Australian city to welcome the games back in 2007, making next year's occasion particularly significant for Western Australia.
This community-focused partnership between the World Police & Fire Games and the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation demonstrates how major sporting events can extend their impact beyond competition, creating lasting positive connections between first responders and the communities they serve.
