The Ministry of Tourism & Aviation took advantage of the recent World Police & Fire Games Expo in New York City, promoting upcoming Bahamian events to thousands of people who attended.

The expo attracted 15,000 police and fire services personnel from around the world. Representatives of the Ministry of Tourism’s Sports Tourism Unit and retired police corporal Patrick Levarity especially promoted the Bahamas Law Enforcement Games Challenge, which will be held on Grand Bahama Island from January 18 to 23.

“This Expo proved to be a fitting staging ground to begin promotion of the Inaugural Bahamas Law Enforcement Games Challenge,” said Tyrone Sawyer, Director of Sports Tourism. “The timing is important because January is a time when Grand Bahama is able to extend very preferential group rates in order to attract the new business.

“Consequently, planners of the Bahamas Law Enforcement Sports Challenge are able to promote very attractive offers featuring roundtrip cruises by Celebration Cruise Line from West Palm Beach, airfares by Vision Airlines from Ft. Lauderdale, Richmond, Virginia, Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, Louisville, Kentucky; and group rates by Grand Lucayan, Wyndham Club Fortuna Beach Club and Pelican Bay Resort.”

Planners of the Law Enforcement Sports Challenge, headed by Shawn Thomas, have received support from the Ministry of Tourism, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force and the Embassy of the United States of America. In addition, they have actively sought the advice of the planners of the Florida Police & Fire Games. Invitations will be extended to members of law enforcement, military and security services from the United States, Canada, South America and the Caribbean.

“Our goal is to put on a quality event,” said Mr. Thomas, president of the Bahamas Law Enforcement Sports Challenge. “At the same time, we would like to have an event that endures, which builds upon the strong affinity that already exists between law enforcement and military services by offering them a great venue with well planned, competitive events at great prices that allow them to bring their families.”

Mr. Sawyer said the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation continues to seek to use sports as a vehicle to generate more tourism arrivals. He was excited that the law enforcement challenge would add to the effort.