The second annual Joint Forces Jamboree ball hockey tournament, in the memory of RCMP Const. Rick O'Brien, is coming on Saturday, May 24 in Maple Ridge.
O'Brien was well known for his work with youth, and his desire to build relationships between police and young people, and the Joint Forces Jamboree is his legacy, and continues his work.
It's taking place at Planet Ice and the Albion Fairgrounds (23588 Jim Robson Way) from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Const. O’Brien, 51, was fatally shot on September 22, 2023, while executing a search warrant in Coquitlam, as part of a drug investigation.
A foundation was created in his name with a goal to foster understanding, trust, and collaboration between youth and law enforcement through meaningful and inclusive programs, activities, and events.
Nicole Longacre-O’Brien wants to honour her husband and continue some of his good work, and she is a driving force behind the jamboree, and the foundation.
“Building his legacy is the most important and most meaningful task I can do,” she said, as she started the first event.
The ball hockey tourney will feature youth games where they play alongside police officers, a Guns N' Hoses game where police officers take on a team of firefighters, an adaptive game for every skill level, and much more.
The First Responder Zone will allow kids to sit in a police car and meet an officer, and there will be members of the Emergency Response Team, firefighters, B.C. Ambulance paramedics and search and rescue volunteers. In addition, there will be a free family skate from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., a kids zone with a bouncy castle and games, food trucks, and more.
For more information, or to donate, see jointforces.ca
