Putting out fires: (From left) Fireman Kevin Lay, policeman and organiser Glenn Gorick, Chief Superintendent Marcus Baker, Nic Tringas, Australian Federal Police officer Blake Millgate and (front) fire station officer Tait Brannock (red hat) of Arncliffe with Johnny Raper. Picture: John Veage
FORMER police officer and NRL Immortal, John Raper, is supporting the Police Games and the 000 Sean Maroney Memorial Aquathlon tomorrow at Brighton-Le-Sands.
Raper was at the race launch last week and, with his wife Carole, went to Brighton for pre-race scheduling.
The race will start at 9am from Brighton Baths Athletics Club on the Boardwalk, with athletes from the various emergency services — including police, fire brigade, ambulance and lifeguards — joining civilians to find out who is the fittest after swimming 800 metres and running five kilometres.
The event, which has been well patronised since its inception in 1989 and won by world triathlon champions Chris McCormack and Michelle Jones, is supported by the 150 years in Policing in NSW and the NSW Police Council for Sport.
The 1995 winner Chris Lee, who defeated McCormack, makes a long overdue return to the race.
But the real race should be a battle royal again between between previous winners: fireman Michael Prince and former policeman Michael Maroney, the age group world champion, NSW Triathlon sprint champion and brother of the late Sean Maroney.
Race patrons, NRL referees boss Bill Harrigan and leading referee Tony Archer will attend, along with the Maroney family who are coming to remember Sean, who was a talented triathlete.
The event raises funds for the McGrath Foundation and Police Legacy, with competitors in the running to win a mountain bike, open and age group medals and various other prizes.