It’s become a friendly rivalry all for a great cause with an important message.
For the fifth year, the Delta Fire Department and Delta Police Department will face-off at Sungod Arena in North Delta in the Battle of the Badges hockey game.
The game is set for Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday Feb. 26 with more than 1,900 elementary students from 16 Delta schools set to attend.
This year’s Pink Shirt Day theme is Lift Each Other Up, a simple, yet powerful message encouraging us all to look beyond our differences and celebrate the things that make us unique.
With one in five students affected by bullying, Pink Shirt Day is an important reminder to practice kindness and compassion, and to promote anti-bullying, which is really about allowing people to be who they are – uniquely made to fulfill an important purpose; to bring their unique flare, look, perspective and voice to the world.
Battle of the Badges supports Pink Shirt Day by driving home the point that although we may look different and fulfill different roles, it doesn’t mean one is better than the other. Celebrating differences and being united in our diversity is powerful. Ultimately, when the fire and police departments bring their different roles, responsibilities and talents together, their impact in our community is even greater.
This annual event is a collaboration of Delta fire and police departments, Delta School District and the City of Delta.
It is the collective belief of everyone involved that there is no room for bullying in classrooms, workplaces or the community as a whole. Their hope is this creative approach to Pink Shirt Day will have a significant impact on promoting the message to be kind not just on Feb. 26, but throughout the year.
“I am proud of the partnership that the City of Delta, Delta fire, Delta police and Delta School District have created to support Pink Shirt and Anti-Bullying Day and look forward to cheering teams alongside the kids at the Battle of the Badges game,” said Mayor George Harvie. “I challenge the community – young and old – to respect each other’s differences, encourage each other to be their best, and choose kindness every time.”
Police Chief Neil Dubord said although the game showcases a fun rivalry between police and fire, it also represents a very serious topic and has an important point.
“In an era where it can be common for people to tear each other down, this game is a good way to show a younger audience about why every act of kindness, even in a sporting event, helps make the world a better place,” he said. “We can all use a little encouragement to Lift Each Other Up and celebrate our diversity.”
Fire Chief Paul Scholfield added that being different isn’t wrong, bad or weird.
“If we were all the same and did the same things there would be significant gaps not only in our community, but in the world. We need diversity. Battle of the Badges demonstrates we can be different and still appreciate who we are,” said Schofield.
Delta school board chair Val Windsor said police officers and firefighters are important role models in the community.
“We are extremely grateful for the time they spend in our schools making positive connections with our students,” said Windsor. “Battle of the Badges sets the stage for them to celebrate diversity and practice kindness, and, very importantly, demonstrates that they do not tolerate bullying.”
Joining in the fun will be local mascots, including Sparky the firedog, DPD Safety Bear, Del from the Delta Ice Hawks and Bob the Vancouver Canadians brown bear.
