The Games, which took place on March 21 this year, play a crucial role in promoting kinship among students outside their academic environment. It's a morning filled with fun and competition, providing an excellent opportunity for working police officers to encourage and network with future police constables, fostering valuable relationships and potential recruitment opportunities.
Some 50 officers from the Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police Service, London Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police and the University of Toronto Special Constable Unit from the Scarborough Campus attended the Games this year. Their presence was deeply appreciated as they cheered on our student athletes through a series of physical challenges, including the notorious beep test run.
The highlight of the day is the annual tug of war where college students challenge police officers to a contest in which the two teams pull on a heavy rope until one team drags the other over the median line. In a thrilling and loud competition, Centennial students emerged victorious, claiming the title of champs on the rope!
The Games featured the second edition of the program's food donation drive; dedicated students and faculty, in partnership with Toronto Police Service officers from 43 Division, worked tirelessly to gather and deliver much-needed groceries to food banks and shelters in Scarborough. The drive reinforces the students' commitment to supporting the local community - just as the police services likewise support the neighbourhoods they serve and protect.
"As the coordinator of the Police and Public Safety Foundations program, it's an honour to share in the success of the 2025 Centennial College Police and Public Safety Foundations Athletic Games, a testament to community spirit and collaboration," said Howie Page, a faculty member who spent 36 years with Toronto Police Service as an officer, investigator and unit commander.
"As in previous years, we have multiple police and special constable organizations attending the games to network, support and recruit our students into law enforcement," he added. "This celebration of sportsmanship and community service is a resounding success, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come."
Centennial College's two-year Police and Public Safety Foundations diploma program prepares candidates for Ontario Police College by incorporating real-life law enforcement experiences and case studies together with intensive training to help learners develop discipline and deportment. The program draws approximately 400 students annually. Established in 2011, Centennial's Police Foundations Games is the longest running college police games in Ontario.
