"1^st Meeting of the USPE EC"

The USPE Executive Committee met on April 3 for the first time in 2020. Due to the Covid-19 crisis in Europe, this meeting was held as a video conference.

President Luc Smeyers was delighted that all members of the EC were able to attend the meeting.

The EC was not only informed on various topics, it also analyzed and discussed the current situation and the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in particular.
Important decisions for the business continuity of the USPE and the future of the planned European Police Championships and other events were made.
These decisions will be communicated timely to the member countries and partners.

"1^st Meeting of the Technical Commission"

Due to the current Corona crisis, the 1st TC Meeting could not take place in Bucharest / Romania.
The Secretary General of the USPE has therefore convened a video conference on April 2, 2020.
All Technical Delegates, the President and the General Treasurer of the USPE participated.
Important topics - especially with regard to the corona epidemic, sports and the tasks for us police officers were discussed.

"Qualification Match „Netherlands – Switzerland“ of the 3rd USPE European Police Championships Football Women 2020"

The Qualification Match between the Netherlands and Switzerland for the European Police Championships Football Women took place on the 21st of November 2019 in Spakenburg, Netherlands. The opening ceremony and the match took place at the Spakenburg SV stadium. Ben Zegvard and the USPE Technical Delegate, Ole Jacobsen, held a short opening speech before the game.

The Netherlands started strongly scoring an early goal in the 8th minute and later in the first half the Netherlands scored their second goal. In the Technical Delegate’s opinion the Netherlands were a little stronger but the team from Switzerland played a clever defense that made it hard for the Dutch women to score more goals. Furthermore, they showed a good tactical understanding for the game. On the other hand, Switzerland had big difficulties to produce chances that could lead to a goal.
At the half-time break, the score was still 2 – 0 for the Netherlands.

The same happened in the second half. Switzerland had difficulties to produce big chances and the team from the Netherlands was overall a little stronger physically, so the first big opportunity came for them close to the overtime and they scored to the final result: 3 – 0 for the Netherlands.

It was a very fair match (one yellow card) and all players showed great sportsmanship, respect for the players and the referees and Fair Play at its best meaning.

Big congratulations go to the Netherlands and a big thank you goes to Switzerland that can be very proud of their big fighting performance. One can look forward to hearing more about the development of the women’s football team from Switzerland and welcoming them again next time.

The women from the Netherlands can get ready now for the Final Round of the 3rd USPE European Police Championships Football Women in Trondheim/Norway in June 2020.

Ole K. Jacobsen
USPE Technical Delegate
Football

"Qualification Match „Greece – United Kingdom“ of the 3rd USPE European Police Championships Football Women 2020

After the teams from Denmark and the Netherlands had already prevailed in their Qualifiers and thus secured the entry into the Final Round of the 3rd USPE European Police Championships in Women's Football 2020 in Trondheim / Norway, the last Qualifying Match was on 22nd November 2019 on the program in Athens / Greece.

Immediately following the friendly and inspiring words of welcome from the President of the Hellenic Police Athletic Association, Police Major Georgios Tzatzakis, and the Secretary-General of the Union Sportive des Polices d'Europe, Mr. Andreas Röhner, at the carefully organized opening ceremony, the kickoff took place punctually at 4 pm in the „Dimitris-Dimitriou-Stadium“ for a highly interesting game.

For the host and newcomer in USPE Women‘s Football Greece as well as for the experienced team from the United Kingdom, the goal was clear - with a win to secure the ticket for the Final Round.

Both teams showed an enormous fighting spirit from the first minute. The Greek team was not intimidated by the early lead of the British in the 8th minute by Tanya Dickinson and convinced mainly by a strong defense and goalkeeping performance. Eleni Peletidou again and again fished the ball off the line. So it remained until the half-time break at the score of 1 : 0 for the United Kingdom.
The second half started not less exciting. The players fought for every ball. In the 56th minute Samantha Hare increased with a nice side volley kick then to 2 : 0 for the United Kingdom. Self-confident, the Greek team continued to give 100 percent. At the end of the Match, the women from the United Kingdom had a few more reserves and the new substitute Jessica White scored twice. The last goal was disallowed due to an offside position. That meant a final score of 0 : 3 for the United Kingdom.

Many thanks go to the Hellenic Police Athletic Association and the local police chief for the excellent organization of the event and their great hospitality, to the competent referees and medical service, as well as to the highly motivated and fair teams from Greece and the United Kingdom.

"Qualification Match 3 of the 3rd."
USPE European Police Championships Football Women 2020
Denmark - Hungary

The qualification match between Denmark and Hungary for the European Police Championship Football Women took place on the 15th of November 2019 in Esbjerg, Denmark. The opening ceremony took place in the Blue Water Arena. In attendance to make a short opening speech before the game was the mayor of Esbjerg: Jesper Frost Rasmussen; Deputy Police Commissioner for South Jytland Police: Bjarne Sørensen; Vice President of the Danish Police Sport Federation: Jens Claumarch. There was a poignant tribute paid to Magnus Buhl Hansen who was tragically killed in 2019. Magnus was an integral part of the management team for the Danish Police National Women’s football team and Esbjerg was his home town. There was a minute of silence before the game also as a mark of respect.

Denmark started strongly scoring an early goal in the second minute through Ida Andersen. For the opening 20 minutes Denmark looked the stronger team but Hungary came back into the game and began to match Denmark attack for attack as the game moved on. They got their reward in the 28th minute with a goal from Viktoria Sass; and from this point on, the match was very close. It finished all level at half time, with the score at 1 - 1. It set the 2nd half up to be an exciting spectacle.

And an exciting spectacle it was! Denmark started the 2nd half the same way they began the 1st; with an early goal scored by Rikke Christiansen. But Hungary soon struck back and changed the dynamic of the game with two quick goals in the space of two minutes. They came from a goal behind to lead 3 - 2. For much of the latter part of the match, Denmark looked the stronger team. They pressurised Hungary but failed to find the net when it counted. But in the 88th minute, Denmark scored a late equaliser through No.9 Ditte Pedersen. There was more excitement at the end when Denmark made a crucial save in the 91st minute to stop Hungary snatching the victory. And when you thought there couldn’t be any more drama; in the 93rd minute Denmark could’ve won the game with a shot that hit the post. The game finished 3 - 3. Most notable, was the respect & sportsmanship on show. There were very few stoppages for fouls and no yellow cards or cautions to any player. It was an exciting game full of the spirit and the ethos of USPE and it made for a great spectacle for the crowd that was watching.

The match went to penalties. 1st to go was Denmark and they scored decisively from the spot. Hungary followed but missed their spot kick. To add to the excitement that we witnessed during the game; the penalties also added their own drama. After 4 penalties each, the score stood at 2 - 2. With 1 kick to go apiece, it was a case of who would score and who might miss. Denmark scored their last penalty to put all the pressure on the last Hungarian player about to step up. Hungary MISSED… meaning an end to this superb contest. Unfortunately someone has to lose out, but Hungary can be proud of their gutsy performance. Denmark go on to qualify for the USPE European Police Championships Football Women in Trondheim, Norway in June 2020.

Final Score
Denmark 3 Hungary 3
(Denmark win 3-2 on penalties)

"From 10^th to 11^th November the second Meeting of the USPE Executive Committee in 2019 took place in Turin/Italy."

The numerous agenda items were dealt with and discussed in a concentrated manner. All members seek for a close and result-oriented cooperation in the future for the further development of European police sport.

"6^th USPE European Police Sport Conference in Turin / Italy "

From 7^th to 10^th November 2019, the 6^th USPE European Police Sport Conference was held in Turin / Italy. Representatives from all over Europe came together and developed in common workshops generally valid guidelines on the topic of "health maintenance as a leadership responsibility". The necessary input on this topic was previously obtained from selected speakers and specialists in this field. At the same time valuable input could be gained from the lecture on "Judo is more than sport". The participants were then able to apply their theoretical knowledge directly in the conference parts "Judo for everyone" and "Fit for duty - fit for life" in a practical manner.

"4^th USPE European Police Championship Volleyball Women Odolena Voda/Czech Republic 7^th – 14^th October 2019."

13^th October 2019: Final day of the 4^th European Police Championship Volleyball WOMEN 2019.

Today, the final two matches have been played to decide how will win the bronze Medal and how will be the new European Police Champion in Volleyball Women 2019.

Bronze Medal match: Greece – Germany 0:1 (16:25, 12:25, 18:25)

In the eagerly awaited final for the bronze medal, the teams from Greece and Germany met each other.

In an interesting and varied game, the German team was able to win at the end with 3: 0 sets against a good presenting Greek team and headed to the bronze medal.

Gold Medal match: Czech Republic – Russia 1:3 (26:24, 18:25, 17:25, 19:25)

The final of the 4^th USPE EPC Volleyball Women 2019 contested the winners of the last two championships. The team of the Czech Republic won the 2^nd European Police Champion Volleyball in 2013. In 2016, the team from Russia won the 3^rd Championship at home in Kazan.

Powered by the very good atmosphere made by the spectators in the full hall in Odolena Voda, the two teams delivered an exciting and intensive match. After 4 sets the Russian Team could win 3:1.
The team from Russia successfully defended their title from 2016. Congratulation!
Congratulation to the Czech team for the silver medal.

Congratulations to all teams how were playing today’s finals.

With the dedicated, professional and fair performance, all participating teams of this Championship have made a great advertisement for the European Police Sport.

A big thanks to all referee for their performance during the last five days and the host of UNITOP Czech Republic for the very good organizing of the 4^th USPE European Police Championship Volleyball Women.

"4^th USPE European Police Championship Volleyball Women Odolena Voda/Czech Republic 7^th – 14^th October 2019."

12^th October 2019: Semi-finals and Placement matches

As at the other days, four matches have been played to decide the placement for the 8^th to the 5^th place and the finals.

1^st semi-final: Czech Republic – Greece: 3:0 (25:16, 25:10, 25:11)

The first semi-final of the Day took place between the No. 1 of Group A (Czech Republic) and the second placed of Group B (Greece).

The host's team of Czech Republic was able to live up to their role as favorites and won against a motivated fighting team from Greece. It was the first time that a team of Greece was able to qualify to a Final Round of a USPE European Police Championship Volleyball Women.

Tomorrow they will play for the bronze medal against Germany.

2^nd semi-final: At the second semi-final of the Day, the 1^st placed of Group B (Russia) played against the 2^nd placed of Group A (Germany).

The match between the team from the actual European Police Champion Russia and the second placed of the last USPE European Police Championship Volleyball Women Germany was an exciting semi-final.

After the Russian team won the 1^st set, the German team was able to win the 2^nd and 3^rd sets. The 4^th and most competitive set was won by Russia with 25:20. The final decision had to be made in the 5^th set. In this set the team from Russia could win with 15:2.

The Czech Team will face the reigning champion Russia in tomorrow's final.

Match for the 7^th Place: Netherlands – United Kingdom: 3:0 (25:14, 25:15, 25:15)

In the match for place 7 of this tournament, the national police teams of Netherlands (4^th Group A) and United Kingdom (4^th Group B) were matching each other, which ended with a victory of Netherlands.

Match for the 5^th Place: Belgium – Hungary: 3:0 (25:16, 25:17, 25:17)

The match for place 5 of this championship, was played by the national police teams of Belgium (3^rd Group A) and Hungary (3^rd Group B). After an interesting and varied game, Belgium won against Hungary.

A very big thanks to all teams of this European Police Championships for their performance and fair play.

"4^th USPE European Police Championship Volleyball Women Odolena Voda/Czech Republic 7^th – 14^th October 2019."

11^th October 2019: The third and last day of the group stage of the USPE EPC Volleyball Women 2019.

As at the other days, four matches have been played to decide about the semi-finals and placement matches.

9^th Match: Group A Germany – Belgium 3:0 (25:21, 25:18, 25:14)

10^th Match: Group B Greece – Hungary 3:0 (25:12,25:21,25:17)

11^th Match: Group A Czech Republic – Netherlands 3:0 (25:15, 25:20, 25:13)

12^th Match: Group b Russia – United Kingdom 3:0 (25:6, 25:14, 25:9)

On Saturday the first semi-final will start at 09:00 am with Germany against Russia, followed by the second semi-final between Czech Republic and Greece.

The matches for the placements will be played on the same day in the afternoon:

Match for the 7^th Place
Netherlands – United Kingdom

Match for the 5^th Place
Belgium - Hungary

Congratulations to all teams for playing the group stage with great engagement as well fair play to the other teams and referees. Furthermore, a big thanks to all referee for their performance during the last three days.

"4^th USPE European Police Championship Volleyball Women Odolena Voda/Czech Republic 7^th – 14^th October 2019."

The second matchday of the USPE EPC Volleyball Women 2019 has started on 10^th October.
Four matches have been played in the group stage.

5^th Match: Group B, Greece – United Kingdom 3:0 (25:12, 25:16, 25:22)

After the team from Greece had lost their first match against the team from Russia, they were able to win against the team from United Kingdom 3:0 on the second matchday.

6^th Match: Group A, Belgium – Netherlands 3:2 (22:25, 25:21, 27:25, 16:25, 15:11)

In an exciting and close match, the team from Belgium beat the team from the Netherlands after a match time of 2:05 h - 3:2.

7^th Match: Group B, Russia – Hungary 3:0 (25:4, 25,17, 25:8)

In the third game of the day, the dominating Russian team defeated the hard-fighting Hungarian team 3:0.

8^th Match: Group A, Czech Republic – Germany 3:1 (20:25, 27:25, 25:22, 25:19)

In the fourth and last match of the day, the host Czech Republic could win in a very good match against Germany 3:1.

Congratulations to the winning teams and thanks to all referee for their performance.

Dirk Weninger, USPE Technical Delegate
Wolfram Müller, USPE Office

"4^th USPE European Police Championship Volleyball Women Odolena Voda/Czech Republic 7^th – 14^th October 2019."

3^rd Day of the 4^th USPE EPC Volleyball Women

The first matchday of the USPE EPC Volleyball Women 2019 has started on 9^th October.
Four matches have been played in the group stage.

1^st Match: Group A Czech Republic – Belgium 3:0 (25:19, 25:16, 25:18)

2^nd Match: Group B Russia – Greece 3:0 (25:14, 25:20, 25:17)

3^rd Match: Group A Germany – Netherlands 3:0 (28:26, 25:19, 25:16)

4^th Match: Group B Hungary – United Kingdom 3:0 (25:17, 25:15, 26:24)

Congratulations to the winning teams and thanks to all referee for their performance.

“4^th USPE European Police Championship Volleyball Women Odolena Voda/Czech Republic 7^th – 14^th October 2019.“

1^st Day of the 4^th USPE EPC Volleyball Women

After the arrival and accreditation of all teams, the Technical Meeting of 4^th USPE EPC Volleyball Women took place at the Hotel Oslanka, where all athletes, attendants and delegates are very well accommodated.

2^nd Day of the 4^th USPE EPC Volleyball Women

The 2^nd Day of the championship was the training-day for each in the sports hall of the city Odolena Voda which is about 30min away from the Hotel in Prague. Every team had the opportunity of 1 h training.

While the teams had training, the mayoress of the city Odolena Voda welcomed the USPE delegates and the delegates of the countries.

In the evening the opening ceremony took place in the congress hall of the hotel. Around 130 participants and officials, from 8 member countries took part at the opening ceremony. Deputy Minister of the State in the Ministry of the Interior, Dr. Josef Postránecký, the President of UNITOP Czech Republic, Vladislav Husák as well the mayoress of the city Odolena Voda, Mrs. Hana Plecitá welcomed the participants on behalf of the organizer and the host city, followed by USPE Vice-President, Dr. Josef Haupt, who officially opened the 4th USPE European Police Championship Volleyball Women 2019.

The matches will start on 9^th October 2019 at 09:00 am with the opening match of Czech Republic and Belgium.

“From September 27th to 29th, the 2nd meeting of the Technical Commission of the Union Sportive des Polices d'Europe (USPE) 2019 took place in Luxembourg.

For two days, the President, the Secretary General, the General Treasurer and the 8 Technical Delegates of the USPE dealt with the current topics of the European police sport, especially the competition calendar and the rules and regulations of the different sports, and thus created the basis for its further development.

A big thank-you goes to the colleagues of the Luxembourg Police Sports Federation, who made the best conditions for the meeting possible by a professional organization.”

The final matchday of the 8th USPE European Police Championships the k. o. matches in the individual events have been played to find out the winners and medallists in:
Men’s singles, Men’s doubles, Ladies’ singles, Ladies’ doubles, Mixed doubles.

After exiting matches and close results in the sets, the results have been as followed:

Mixed Doubles
1st Place
Sylvie Plaisant/Frederic Lefebvre (FRA)
2nd Place
Gladieux, Elisabeth/Auquire, Frederic (FRA)
3rd Place
Nicole Gallitschtisch/Gernot Egger (AUT)
Elodie Bessolier/Reynald Resse (FRA)

Women’s Double
1st place
Sylvie Plaisant/Elisabeth Gladieux (FRA)
2nd Place
Svetoslava Nikolova/ Diyana Koteva (BUL)
3rd Place
Sára Beranova/Lucie Obrdlikova (CZE)
Elodie Bessolier/Caroline Petit (FRA)

Men’s Double
1st Place
Martin Matejicek/Kamil Knybel (CZE)
2nd Place
Jiri Cizek/ Petr Vesely (CZE)
3rd Place
Daniel Bjorneboe Fynsk/Sebastian Winther (DEN)
Gábor Göndös/Tibor Poór (HUN)

Women’s Single
1st Place
Sylvie Plaisant (FRA)
2nd Place
Nicole Gallitschtisch (AUT)
3rd Place
Elisabeth Gladieux (FRA)
Marthe Nilsen (NOR)

Men’s Single
1st Place
Lyubomir Kralev (BUL)
2nd Place
Daniel Bjorneboe Fynsk (DEN)
3rd Place
Vincent Blom (NED)
Kamil Knybel (CZE)

Dirk Weninger, USPE Technical Delegate; Wolfram Müller, USPE Office

On the second day of the USPE EPC Table Tennis 2019 the total of 190 matches have been played.

The highlight of the second competition day were the finals of the team competitions for women as well as for men.

In the final of the women's team competitions, the team from France could win 3:0 against the team from the Czech Republic.

Results:
1st Place France
2nd Place Czech Republic
3rd Place Netherlands
3rd Place Bulgaria

In the final of the men's team competitions, the team from the Slovak Republic won 3:1 against the team from Denmark.

Results:
1st Place Slovakia
2nd Place Denmark
3rd Place Hungary
3rd Place France

Congratulations to the winning teams and a big thank you to all referee and umpire for their performance during the first two days of the competition.

Dirk Weninger, USPE Technical Delegate; Wolfram Müller, USPE Office

Update first day.

At the first matchday of the USPE EPC Table Tennis 2019 the team competition took place.
After exciting and fair matches, the teams of France vs. The Netherlands and Bulgaria vs. Czech Republic played the semi-finals in women team competitions.
In the men team competitions, the teams of Hungary vs. Denmark and France vs. Slovak Republic played for the final.
Following teams qualified for the final in the afternoon of the 21st September 2019.

Team Men: Slovak Republic vs. Denmark

Team Women: France vs. Czech Republic

Dirk Weninger, USPE Technical Delegate; Wolfram Müller, USPE Office

At the morning of the 20^th September 2019, the opening ceremony took place in the competition hall. Around 100 athletes from 17 member countries competing at this event for the single, double, mix double matches as well the team competition.

At the Opening Ceremony, Secretary of the State in the Ministry of the Interior, Mr. Michal Bagačka, and the President of UNITOP Slovakia, Stanislav Zatorsky, welcomed the participants on behalf of the organizer, followed by USPE Vice-President, Dr. Josef Haupt, who officially opened the 8^th USPE European Police Championships Table Tennis.

After the Opening Ceremony the first matches started in the team competition, which will have the finals on Saturday, 21^st September 2019.

Dirk Weninger
USPE Technical Delegate

On June 20th, 2019, successful and eventful European Police Championships Shooting ended with a festive closing event in the ballroom of the Ringberghotel in Suhl. Following the recent award ceremonies, special awards from the organizer and the Union Sportive des Polices d'Europe (USPE), and honoring outstanding achievements in the field of shooting with the highest recognition of the USPE, the "Medal of Honor", the Secretary General, Mr. Andreas Röhner, declared the 17th European Police Championships Shooting officially closed.

It all started three years ago, when the German Police Sports Board decided to host the said championships. The Shooting Sports Center in Suhl offers, as one of the most popular facilities in the world, the best training and competition conditions for shooters. For this reason, the German Police Sports Board placed the trusting task of hosting such a demanding EPC in the hands of the Thuringian Police.

First, Police Director Andreas Röhner took over the project management, then handed it over after his election as the USPE Secretary General to the head of the educational institutions of the Thuringian Police, Police Director Heike Langguth. Together with her highly motivated and dedicated organization team, she realized outstanding European Police Championships.

All athletes, attendants and delegates were able to witness exciting and fair competitions, in which they met colleagues across national borders beyond their sporting achievements, developed understanding for each other and made friends. It was exactly these experiences that made the event an unforgettable experience for all present.

A special thank goes to the German Police Sports Board under the leadership of Mr. Ralf Flohr; the Free State of Thuringia and especially the Education Center of the Thuringian Police; the entire organizing team of the EPC Shooting; the USPE Technical Delegate for the sport shooting, Mr. Jörg Hirschberger; all participating referees under the leadership of Mr. David Goodfellow; the Lord Mayor of Suhl, Mr. André Knapp; the Ringberghotel and the Shooting Sports Center.

A big thank you also goes to Mr. Jan Poulsen (Denmark), Mr. Børge Bladsgaard Jensen (Denmark), Mr. Leif Birger Bø (Norway) and Phil Smith (United Kingdom), who were honored for their great commitment in the shooting sport with the “USPE Medal of Honor”, as well as to the sporty fair and comradely delegations from the member countries of the USPE.

On Tuesday, June 18^th, 2019, the draw for the Final Round of the 4^th USPE European Police Championships Volleyball Women took place within the 17^th USPE European Police Championships Shooting 2019 in Suhl/Germany. In the presence of the Secretary General, the General Treasurer, the Technical Delegate for the sport of Volleyball and representatives of the participating member countries of the Union Sportive des Polices d’Europe, the lot decided the group classification of the eight finalists. From October 7^th to October 14^th, 2019 these eight teams will fight for the title “USPE European Police Champion in Women's Volleyball 2019” in Prague/Czech Republic.

The German Police Sport Federation (DPSK) organized the preliminary round group D from 11th – 14th June 2019 in Hannover, Germany, between the guests from Norway and France and the hosts team from Germany.
The German team is well known and feared by other teams for their high level and they let no doubt about which team that shall go to Prague later this year.
The German team won both matches 3 : 0 and the team is as winner of group D qualified for the final round.
The match between Norway and France was more close. Norway won 1st set, but the French team showed big fight and won the next three set.
All matches was held in a very friendly atmosphere and even though all teams cannot participate in the final round this year we hope to see all teams for the next EPC Volley for Women.

Thank you to DPSK for a very well organized preliminary round. The organizing team is very experienced in organizing events like this and everything was carried out in a very high and professional level.

The detailed results are available on the USPE homepage in the category “Volleyball”.

Ole K. Jacobsen
Technical delegate

Photos: Hauke Schilling

Police Sport UK have been entrusted to organise the preliminary Group C of the qualification for the Final Round of the USPE EPC Volleyball Women 2019.
From 10th - 13th June 2019 the teams of Hungary, Finland and United Kingdom have been invited to Stirling to play their matches.
Unfortunately Finland had to cancel their participation due to professional reasons, so only Hungary and United Kingdom had to match for winning the group and qualifying for the Final Round.
Hungary has won this match 3:0 and has been qualified as the winner of the group. United Kingdom as second has to wait the other results to qualify as one of the best two second.
Police Sport UK has been very hospitable and organised this event in a professional way and standard.

Dirk Weninger
Member of the USPE Technical Commission

The 1^st USPE Cup in Obstacle Course Running took place in Amsterdam, Netherlands from the 22^st – 24^th May 2019, was hosted by NPSB (Nederlandse Politie Sportbond). 64 Athletes from 9 Countries participated in the USPE Cup. The participating countries were: Netherlands (Host), Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, and Switzerland. In total there were 47 Men & 17 Women on the start list.

In the Men’s Team Event, all 9 countries had the minimum required number of 3 Men to count towards scoring in the team results. In the Women’s Team Event, 5 countries had the minimum required number of 2 Women to count towards scoring in the team results. These countries were: Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands.

The race was something new to the USPE Calendar and because of this it would be exciting to see how it would fit within the ethos of Police Sports. The course was 10km in length and it was a two loop (5km) course with 60 obstacles (30 obstacles repeated twice on the two loops). The men’s race started at 10:00 am and the women’s race started at 10:05 am. Both races were very exciting to watch. In both races the athletes started together when the gun was fired and sprinted about 200-300m toward the first obstacle which was a high wooden frame about 15 metres in height. For all the athletes, it was a case of getting to the obstacle first and pulling yourself up a rope and going over the top and back down. With this obstacle completed the fastest, most agile and strongest would be in a position to lead out the race from the beginning. In both the men’s and women’s race a small group headed off together leaving the chasing pack. From this point, spectators could see the dynamic of what was to unfold for the various standards of athletes from each country. The major rule which was in each athletes head was in relation to the wristband they were wearing… The rule stated that if you failed to complete an obstacle, the wristband would be removed from your wrist and this would incur a ‘1 hour time penalty’. It was obvious through the effort of every athlete that this would seriously affect their own result, but more crucially the result of the team. It was at Obstacle No.1 that something very special was witnessed – “Great teamwork by many countries”. The fastest and strongest had departed Obstacle No.1 but those that remained needed the help of their fellow team mates by the assistance of hand to foot when the strength to lift their own body weight up and over the high rope and frame had become too much. This start to this exciting race immediately summed up everything we strive for in the spirit of USPE and in our Police duties…. Team-work, tactics, strength, endurance. ….. On each team you could see the athletes immediately reassess the race that was now unfolding at this difficult first obstacle. Some teams let their strongest athletes go ahead but for those of similar ability – they decided to partner up and leave no man/woman behind. They decided that the team would only be as strong as their last person. This was fantastic to see.

In the men’s race Hrdina Pavel, (Czech Republic), Thomas Buyle (Belgium) and Gerrit te Grotenhuis (Netherlands) closed in on the half way point close enough together. Some athletes were stronger runners and some were stronger climbers. This made for exciting viewing because when one athlete pulled away or closer on the running, another athlete would do the same while climbing or tackling the obstacle. Thomas Buyle (Belgium) took a decisive lead right on halfway from Hrdina Pavel (Czech Republic).

In the women’s race Sandra van den Brink (Netherlands) was looking very strong at 5km and she had a good lead from Kristyna Hurkova (Czech Republic). Going into the 2nd half of the race she was looking like the favourite to win, but with 30 obstacles to go, it would be interesting to see if she could withstand the fatigue that was showing on many athletes.

Back in the men’s race, Thomas Buyle (Belgium) was strong throughout the next 30 obstacles and although he had more than 1 minute to spare over Pavel (Czech Rep.) in 2nd place, there was one final obstacle which would be new to every athlete; and which could decide their fate, if they were not strong enough to finish the race out.

‘The High Wall followed by the sequence of hanging ropes’ waited for athletes at the very end. Here you would need to scale the wall and then make it from rope to rope (8 ropes in all) supporting your body weight with tired arms in order to make it the finish line and ring the bell. If you fail and touch the ground, you must return to the start of the obstacle again and try with even more muscle fatigue in your arms! By which point any lead you had could fizzle away, and you could be overtaken if the athlete behind was stronger! There was no failing for Buyle (Belgium). He looked strong and his superb athleticism, endurance and strength took him to the end of the obstacle. With a roar he landed, two feet on the ground and rang the finish line bell. A superb end to a superb race. Pavel (Czech Rep.) and te Grotenhuis (Netherlands) finished strongly to claim 2nd and 3rd place. Although the winner of the men’s race came from Belgium, Belgium would not figure in the team prizes. Some excellent team work by Switzerland would decide the team title. They remained together throughout the race, helping and supporting each other throughout. And it was this tactic that made them the narrow winners by just under 50 seconds from the Netherlands in 2nd place and the Czech Republic in 3rd.

In the women’s race van den Brink (Netherlands) was unopposed approaching the end of the 10km and she took on the last obstacle in commanding fashion. With a huge smile she sprung off the obstacle with both arms in the air and ran towards the race bell to sound victory for the women’s individual title. Hurkova (Czech Rep.) was 3 mins 53 secs behind in 2nd, and making up the Dutch team winning time, in 3rd place, was Wendy Knigge (Netherlands). It was a great day for the Netherlands in the women’s race, where they took Gold and Bronze individually and also Gold in the Women’s team event. The Czech Republic took the Silver medal in the women’s teams, and Hungarian team were the Bronze medal winners.

It could be said that new event of OCR, arguably contains much of the traits required for regular front line policing. In daily policing we face many obstacles. The Police athletes tackling the Obstacle Course in Amsterdam displayed all of these traits: Teamwork, Speed, Co-ordination, Endurance and Strength, both mental and physical. As spectators looked on as the final athletes attempted the final obstacle, it was heartening to see their determination to finish at all costs, and to see their own Police colleagues assisting them to the finish line. But the most satisfying thing of the day was to see Police athletes from other countries, against who they had just competed against, shouting and willing them on to the end. This new sport had bonded the entire field of athletes together in a way that would make USPE proud.

It was a great competition, a definitely a fitting Police Sport event.

Ian Redican (Technical Delegate Marathon/Cross Country)

From 17^th to 20^th May 2019 the Belgium Police Sports Federation (Belgische Politiesportbond – Fédération Sportive de la Police Belge; BPSB) organized the Preliminary Round of Group A for the USPE European Police Championships Volleyball Women 2019.

The Netherlands, Slovakia and Belgium sent their teams to participate in these qualifiers.

After three exciting matches, the team from the Netherlands was the winner of this group and qualified for the Final Round which will take place from 7^th to 14^th October 2019 in Prague.

The two best second-placed teams out of the four Preliminary Rounds also qualify for the Final Round. Therefore the Belgian team also keeps the possibility to participate in this event. The Slovakian team that played at a similar level as the other teams finished third.

The detailed results are available to download in the category “Volleyball”.

The USPE thanks the Belgium Police Sports Federation for organizing this Preliminary Round on a very high and professional level.

Dirk Weninger (Technical Delegate Volleyball)

From 9^th to 13^th May 2019, the 15^th European Police Championships Judo took place in Györ/Hungary.

159 athletes from 16 nations have found their way to Hungary's EPC Judo and were welcomed with a solemn ceremony at the Olympia Arena in Györ on 10^th May 2019.

After exciting fights in the individual disciplines, the team competitions were held on Sunday, 12^th May 2019 for the first time in the history of the European Police Championships Judo.

Finally Germany won with Russia and France coming in second and third, which also reflected the ranking in the medal table of the nations. The overjoyed Romanian team secured itself the second bronze medal.

The European Police Championships were then ended solemnly. The flag of the USPE was passed from Hungary to Germany, to be hoisted again in June in Suhl at the 17^th European Police Championships Shooting.

For their outstanding achievements in Judo sport, Mr. Christopher Hunt from the United Kingdom and Mr. Johannes Daxbacher from Germany were awarded with the "Medal of Honor" by the President and the Secretary General of the USPE at the final event in Györ.

Special thanks go to the Hungarian Police Sport Federation, headed by Dr. Peter Varga, for the excellently organized championships.

But also the competent referees as well as the sporty fair teams of the participating countries, who have made the championships an experience full of positive memories, should be praised at this point.

USPE Office

From 05^th to 07^th April the first Meeting of the USPE Executive Committee in 2019 took place in Oslo/Norway. The USPE President, Mr. Luc Smeyers, thank the members of the board for the constructive and future-oriented meeting.

From 28^th to 30^th March the first Meeting of the USPE Technical Commission in 2019 took place in Reykjavik/Iceland.

The numerous agenda items were dealt with and discussed in a concentrated manner. All members seek for a close and result-oriented cooperation in the future for the further development of European police sport.

At this historic conference on January 30th, 2019 at the V. BPA (V. Department of the Riot Police) in Königsbrunn / Bavaria, the USPE Secretary General Andreas Röhner and the Chairman of the DPSK, Ralf Flohr, both of them new to the office since 2019, met the Vice President of the European Judo Union (EJU), Jane Bridge. This continental exchange “Police and Judo” was also attended by Karl-Heinz Hofmann, manager of DPSK, and Stefanie Radenovic from the USPE office, as well as by DPSK Coordinator for Judo, Johannes Daxbacher who was in charge of organizing.

Markus Ferber, member of the European Parliament, who unfortunately was unable to attend but sent a letter saying that he considers “Judo apart from its physical and athletic benefits, especially in the technical field, a great gain for the police being more and more confronted with aggressive citizens and increasing violence”. For him, the values of Judo, such as respect and mutual appreciation, are an important factor besides the techniques of Judo.

Appreciating this special occasion, the first mayor of Königsbrunn, Franz Feigl, invited the delegation to sign the golden book of his city.

Jane Bridge, Judo World Champion of 1980, was delighted by the experience made at the very first Mixed Team World Championships for Police Judo, which took place at the DPM Judo 2018 for the first time. Here, the DPSK is the pioneer and could report the good experience to the USPE first hand; they also introduced this challenging team combat for the coming European Police Championships.

Finally, DPSK Coordinator Johannes Daxbacher summarized his long-time international experience concerning the topic of the conference. “We as German police officers are highly regarded all over the world. Judo is not only an Olympic sport but also a great way of conflict management for police officers.”

Am 24. Januar fand in der Vertretung des Freistaats Thüringen beim Bund in Berlin die offizielle Übergabe des Generalsekretariats der USPE von Berlin nach Meiningen in Thüringen statt. Unter Anwesenheit von Herrn Ministerialdirigenten Michael Schulze (Thüringen), Herrn Senatsdirigenten Klaus Zuch (Berlin) und des Präsidenten der USPE, Luc Smeyers, übergab Fred Kusserow an Andreas Röhner den Staffelstab. Mit seinem Team Stefanie Radenovic und Wolfram Müller wird nunmehr der europäische Polizeisport in Thüringen administriert.