Good physical condition is an asset to corrections work, but four Nanaimo Correctional Centre staff with the B.C. Provincial Corrections Services have proven they’re a cut above even some of the world’s top athletes.
Assistant deputy wardens Teresa Owens, Christine Bootsma, and Warren Orr and correctional supervisor Rose Humphrey brought home six medals, competing against 8,000 athletes from 60 countries at the 2017 World Police and Fire Games in Los Angeles Aug. 7-16.
Owens, came back to Nanaimo after her first time at the games with a gold medal in singles rowing, gold in mixed doubles rowing and a bronze medal in doubles rowing.
Bootsma, who partnered with Owens, also brought home bronze in doubles rowing.
Orr weighed in with a silver medal in bench press and Humphrey returned from the games with a gold medal in the half marathon.
Bootsma said it’s a privilege to compete against some of the finest athletes, which this year included going against world rowing champions, and also to meet law enforcement personnel and firefighters from around the world.
“They come from all over the world,” said Bootsma, who has competed in the games, which have been held every two years, since 2011. “There was one participant from Trinidad and Tobago. We traded shirts.”
Nanaimo Correctional Centre staff are no strangers to bringing home precious metals from the games. Bootsma, Warren, Humphrey and Jenna Beck brought home five medals from the games in 2015.
Bootsma said she is now looking forward to competing in the 2019 World Police and Fire Games, which will be hosted in Chengdu, China.
To learn more about the games and view final competitions results, visit www.la17wpfg.com.