Police take down St. Pats seniors in charity basketball game
Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service protected and served the St. Pat’s seniors a loss on the basketball court Thursday afternoon.
St. Patrick’s senior girls team held it close in the first half, but the game slipped away when the senior boys subbed in for the second. The police won by 15.
The gym was buzzing as students got off class to fill the stands, with all proceeds from the $3 buy-in supporting the Special Olympics. Local Special Olympics athletes also played a game at halftime as well.
“It’s been a while [since I’ve played], but it was a lot of fun,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “Everybody’s here to support the Special Olympics, it was a great crowd and it’s a really good feeling just being a part of it.”
The police vs. seniors match is an annual tradition, with the force facing a different school each year.
“It’s fantastic. Our seniors love it. Not too often do their whole peer group get to see them play, and they’re also playing the Thunder Bay police force,” said St. Pats Vice Principal Julie Beach. “Just a great way to end a short week with school bonding and raising money for an incredible cause.”
Michael Boyechko, police constable and chair of the TBPS Special Olympics Committee, was a main organizer of the event. He says the goal is to encourage young athletes and Special Olympians and communicate the core values of the police force.
“We see nothing but smiles, motivation from our service, and handshakes and laughs all around with the students and the Special Olympians,” Boyechko said.
