Known for promoting sports and physical fitness among first responders, CPAF introduces the first ever North American Fall Classic to their portfolio of events and welcomes the return of the third annual First Responder’s Relay
The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF), a non-profit organization committed to promoting sport and physical fitness among first responders, is thrilled to announce the inception of the North American Fall Classic and the return of the First Responder’s Relay in the fall season. The North American Fall Classic and First Responder’s Relay are two of four events that the California Police Athletic Federation presents in addition to the bi-annual World Police & Fire Games and annual US Police & Fire Championships. Both competitions are expected to draw hundreds of first responders from across the globe.
“Following a successful run of the 2023 US Police & Fire Championships in San Diego, we are excited to kick off our Fall events for first responders,” says Larry Collins, President of the California Police Athletic Federation. “Our mission is to encourage both physical and mental wellness among first responders and the inaugural North American Fall Classic, along with the return of the highly competitive First Responder Relay, will do just that. Our competitions draw athletes from across the globe and after tremendous demand, we couldn’t be happier to introduce the North American Fall Classic which will be open to competitors across North America.”
In response to persistent requests across the North America region to expand programming globally, the North American Fall Classic was established by CPAF in 2023. Open to first responders from across North America, including the United States, Canada and Mexico, the new prestigious competition will offer eight different sporting events including basketball, Brazilian Jiu jitsu, cornhole, flag football, pickleball, soccer, baseball and softball. The Olympic style games will take place at the brand-new state-of-the-art venue, Legacy Park, in Mesa, Arizona from Wednesday, November 1, through Sunday, November 5.
Formerly known as Bell Bank Park, Legacy Park reopened in January 2022 and boasts a wide range of facilities, allowing each of the eight sports offered to take place in one venue. Athletes from law enforcement, firefighters (including volunteer or part time), emergency medical technicians, custom and correctional officers, as well as full-time employees (active and retired) of any eligible agency or organization in the capacity of 9-1-1 dispatchers, detention-custodial officers, crime scene investigators, or lifeguards are invited to participate in the inaugural sporting event.
In addition, CPAF is proud to present the third annual First Responder’s Relay in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, October 14. An athlete favorite, this event is open to first responder personnel from throughout the United Station and the world representing law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, custom and correctional officers. The relay is broken up into nine categories which include an Open Division, Mixed Division, Women Division, Senior Division, 500 Division, 250 Division, Station/Division, Support Services Division, and Support Services Mixed Division.
The 50-mile race will start and finish at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa, with each stage of the relay ranging from 4.0-7.7 miles. Runners will follow the track from Las Vegas Parkway to the River Mountains Loop Trail and then return to an Award Ceremony at the Hilton. The overall fastest team will be awarded The Duke Nyhus/Bob Burke perpetual trophy to honor their athleticism and dedication to personal fitness. Registration is currently open, and athletes can register here. Additionally, more information on division requirements can be found here.
Both the North American Fall Classic and the First Responder’s Relay welcome a connection between public safety personnel from varied backgrounds by offering the opportunity to develop camaraderie within a competitive environment.
To learn more about the California Police Athletic Federation and its games, please visit www.cpaf.org
