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World Police and Fire Games opening in Belfast World Police and Fire Games opening ceremony in Belfast
(about 1 hour later)
The World Police and Fire Games 2013 will be officially opened in Belfast on Thursday. The World Police and Fire Games 2013 will be officially opened at a ceremony in Belfast later.
It is the first time the 10-day event has been held in the United Kingdom, and 6,700 international competitors have entered.
It is the largest sporting event to take place in Northern Ireland.It is the largest sporting event to take place in Northern Ireland.
During the next 10 days, 6,700 competitors from 67 countries will take part in sports ranging from wrist wrestling to the "toughest competitor alive" competition. Over the next 10 days, competitors from 67 countries will take part in sports ranging from wrist wrestling to the "toughest competitor alive" contest.
Ice hockey games began last week. The opening ceremony is taking place at the King's Hall in Belfast. Over the course of the games, police officers, prison officers and firefighters from across the world will compete in 56 different sports at 42 different venues. The largest contingent of athletes is from America.
Extra police officers from Great Britain are to help with security at the games. The ice hockey games began last week, but the official opening ceremony is due to take place at the King's Hall later.
About 30 officers, mostly dog-handlers, have been brought to Northern Ireland. John Tully, chief executive of the games, said: "This is very much about welcoming the athletes and getting the games off to a fantastic start. All the events are free and the majority are accessible to the public, so it is a real opportunity for people to come along.
"We have 10 days of sporting competition and there is a huge sense of vibrancy and colour in the city. It has really set the tone for the friendliest games. I am very confident that we are going to have tremendous games in the days ahead."
Preparations for the games began six years ago.
Extra police officers from Great Britain have been called in to help with security. About 30 officers, mostly dog-handlers, have been brought to Northern Ireland.