Keolis is supporting local first responders on their journey to Fairfax, Va. to compete in the 2015 World Police & Fire Games from June 26 to July 5.
Held biennially, the event continues to grow in size and scope, both in attendance and number of countries participating. This year, 12,000 athletes from more than 70 countries will be participating in 61 sporting events held in 53 venues in and around Fairfax County and the National Capital Region, making the event larger than the 2012 Summer Olympics. 30,000 family visitors will be in attendance with $70 million expected to directly impact the region.
Globally, Keolis manages transportation systems in more than 15 countries and is the largest light rail operator in the world.
“As one of the world’s leading operators of public transit system, Keolis works closely with the police and public safety teams to ensure the safety of our passengers, our employees and the communities we serve, particularly here in Northern Virginia where we operate the Virginia Railway Express,” said Eric Asselin, General Manager of Keolis North America. “We’re truly honored to support the Word Games and these hero-athletes who have traveled from across the globe to compete for the gold.”
Keolis Commuter Services, which operates the MBTA Commuter Rail System in Boston, was a major sponsor for the Boston Police Hockey Team.
“Our first game is Saturday and we are so looking forward to it,” said team coach Gerard McHale, a retired deputy superintendent with the Boston Police Department. “Keolis has been one of the backbones of making these games a success for us and we greatly appreciate their support and commitment to the games. I can promise we’re going to do everything we can to bring home the gold medal to Boston.”