Nurses and midwives have scored gold, silver and bronze medals across a host of events at this year’s NSW Police and Emergency Services Games in Wollongong (17-27 Oct).
Competing in individual and team events for the first time, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) members had a presence in basketball, clay target, netball, open water swimming, oztag, road race (5km and 10km), softball and triathlon to name a few, with more to compete in equestrian events this weekend.
NSWNMA General Secretary, Brett Holmes, said it was encouraging so many members travelled from around the state to participate and represent the NSWNMA in its inaugural year at the games.
“We were thrilled when approached to be a part of this year’s state Police and Emergency Services Games and there was an immediate buzz among our members who wanted to join in,” said Mr Holmes.
“Over 90 nurses and midwives put their hands up to take part and from all accounts, they’ve loved the experience competing and meeting other nurses, midwives, police and emergency services personnel.”
Mr Holmes said securing a number of individual medals was also ‘icing on the cake’ for many NSWNMA competitors who took part.
NSWNMA Councillor and nurse manager in South Western Sydney, Michelle Straub, claimed gold in her age category for the 10 kilometre road race and said the games were about meeting new people and having fun.
“As soon as I found out about it, I jumped online and registered,” Michelle said.
“I found it interesting because I could run a 10km race against other nurses, emergency services and police, knowing it was going to be different to a normal running event. It was a lot of fun and a great opportunity to meet other nurses and get some exercise for the day!”
NSWNMA member and clinical nurse specialist, Louise Wilson, secured a gold medal in the 25 clay target single barrel event.
“I had a fun, social day shooting clay targets at Shoalhaven,” said Louise.
“It was a really great event and opportunity to meet other competitors. The shooting events also had the highest participation rate as well, which was great to see. I’m keen to register for the Australasian games next year!”
NSWNMA members will compete in the 2020 Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games to also be held in Wollongong from 17-24 October, 2020.
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