The Heart of Sports

Miguel Ticom, an officer from the Rio de Janeiro State Police, travelled over 16 hours to Winnipeg to compete in the 2023 World Police & Fire Games. When he arrived in Winnipeg, he discovered his bike had not been so lucky. It was lost in transit, somewhere between Rio and Winnipeg, and he was due to compete in just a few short days. 

Without his bike in hand, he showed up to his race, hoping that somehow we would be able to compete or at least cheer on his fellow athletes if he could not. 

He asked a volunteer if there was anywhere he could get a bike or a way he could still compete. Nearby, Jeff Spangler and Tim Colson, two LAPD officers competing in a different age category, heard about the situation and came forward. 

With the help of Mureelo Moraes, a translation volunteer, Spangler lent Ticom his bike and helmet, and Colson lent him his shoes. With the help of the volunteer, the translator, and Spangler and Ticom from the LAPD, Ticom successfully competed in his event. 

While sports are often about competition, this event proves that there is also a lot of heart and support for fellow athletes involved.