Surrey
2024-06-27 13:40 HAP
Basketball is a popular sport in many Surrey schools and Surrey RCMP officers have discovered over the years that it is not only a fun exercise, but also a way to bond between students and law enforcement that lasts a lifetime.
It all started twenty years ago with an idea from Constable Mike Spencer, who was on general duty at the time. He felt it was important for police to build a relationship with students before they went off to high school, and something as simple as a basketball game could help build trust between police and students. Through the basketball program, Team RCMP was born. Initially, Team RCMP focused on Grade 7 students, but it quickly became apparent that younger students wanted to attend the games. Team RCMP changed the program to play against Grade 7 students in a gym full of younger students cheering on their favourite team. Spencer’s idea came to fruition, with the hope that playing basketball with young students would one day help those students as adults feel comfortable talking to police when they needed help.
The basketball program is still going strong, bringing together several Surrey RCMP officers from various groups within the detachment – some newcomers and others who have been around for much of the program’s 22 years in existence. The impact of this program on students is such that it even motivates many officers to volunteer to play on their days off.
Staff Sergeant Mike Spencer is now in his 26th year with the Surrey RCMP and is now in charge of the Emergency Planning and Organization Unit. “When I started this program in 2002, we were playing in a few schools, but through word of mouth it has grown into what it is today,” said Staff Sergeant Mike Spencer. “I meet kids who have continued to play the game well past Grade 7 and they talk about it like it was yesterday.” “This program has a positive impact on thousands of elementary school students in Surrey each year, which will have a lasting impact on how they feel about law enforcement for years to come,” added Staff Sergeant Spencer.
The team of agents makes its rounds after winter break: a different school every week. They travel to around 15 different primary schools each year to play against Year 7 students during lunch time. Gymnasiums full of students cheering on their favorite team await the officers. The games are unpredictable, and agents like to play antics, periodically bending the rules or picking up and carrying one of their opponents under their arm onto the field, resulting in loud cheers from the crowd.
At the end of the school year, the Team RCMP Best Team Spirit Cup is presented to the school that performed best in their game. This year, Sunnyside Elementary School won the cup. On June 26, 2024, Staff Sergeant Spencer, Sergeant Jarjoura, Corporal Blakeway and Constable Vahra visited the school and presented the award to Principal Brandi Scott and the school.
“Sunnyside Elementary School is grateful for the time Surrey RCMP officers dedicate to our school community to build connections through sport,” said Principal Brandi Scott. “Every year, the students look forward to playing in these matches against the agents.” “The officers do a great job putting on a Harlem Globetrotters-style performance on the field, which is entertaining for all the students who come to watch the game,” added Ms. Scott.
The RCMP Team wishes everyone a fun, safe summer!
Broadcast by:
Serg. Tammy Lobb
Media Relations Officer
GRC de Surrey
14355, 57e Avenue, Surrey (C.-B.) V3X 1A9
Bureau : 604-599-7776
Email: [email protected]
Site Web : surrey.rcmp-grc.gc.ca
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- Date de modification :
- 2024-06-27
