This article originally appeared in the Delta Optimist on February 15, 2023.
Battle of the Badges, the epic hockey match between Delta Fire & Emergency Services and the Delta Police Department, is set to return on Pink Shirt Day, February 22, after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The aim of Battle of the Badges is to shine a spotlight on the need to Stand Together in support of anti-bullying.
The match is set to take place on Wednesday, February 22 at the Sungod Recreation Centre in front of 1,900 Grade 4-7 students from the Delta School District and Tsawwassen First Nation.
With one in five students affected by bullying, Pink Shirt Day is an important reminder for all of us to be kind and lift each other up, and to speak up for those who don’t have a voice. Through the Battle of the Badges hockey game, Delta’s Police and Fire Departments hope to promote the importance of standing together against bullying and demonstrate that although we may look different or fulfill different roles, it doesn’t mean one is better than the other. Celebrating our differences and being united in our diversity is powerful. By raising awareness for anti-bullying, our Fire and Police Departments hope to inspire students to practice kindness and compassion always.
This annual event is a collaboration between Delta Fire & Emergency Services, the Delta Police Department, the City of Delta, and the Delta School District. It is the collective belief of the partners involved that there is no room for bullying in our classrooms, workplaces, or community. Their hope is that this creative approach to Pink Shirt Day will have a significant impact on promoting the message to be kind and show compassion not just on February 22, but throughout the year.
“I’m pleased that the City of Delta is once again co-hosting the 2023 Battle of the Badges alongside the Delta School District, Delta Fire, and Delta Police to show our collective support for creating safe, respectful, and inclusive environments where bullying is not tolerated. Together, let’s continue to lift each other up and strengthen our community through kindness today and everyday. May the best team win!” said Mayor George V. Harvie, City of Delta.
“We must lift each other up, celebrate our differences and practice kindness as part of our shared responsibility to build a safe and healthy community on Pink Shirt Day and all other days. I look forward to the 2023 Battle of the Badges as we celebrate the power of acceptance, kindness, and inclusion with our friends and partners from the City of Delta, Delta School District, and Delta Fire Department. Good luck to both teams!” said Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord.
“Most of us have felt bullied at least once in our lives. Battle of the Badges provides an opportunity for us to talk to kids about bullying. It raises awareness of what bullying is, the negative impacts it has on the victim as well as the bully, and strategies to prevent or deal with bullying. When the puck drops on February 22nd, please make a commitment to Lift Each Other Up this Pink Shirt Day, and all year round!” said Delta Fire Chief Guy McKintuck.
“We’re thrilled that Battle of the Badges is able to resume this year. The event provides a great opportunity to build community spirit and camaraderie. It’s great for students to see our local heroes stand together to encourage kindness, empathy and understanding, and most importantly, to offer support to those who are being bullied,” said Chair Val Windsor, Delta Board of Education.
Joining in the fun will be local mascots including Safety Bear (Delta Police Department), Flash the Fire Dog (Delta Fire & Emergency Services), Jack the Giant (Vancouver Giants) and Del the Hawk (Delta Icehawks).
Thank you to all of the event sponsors.
Game day schedule (approximate times):
Students arrive – 9:30am-10am
Teams on ice for warm up – 9:50am – 10am
Puck drop – 10:25am
Periods – Two 20-minute periods with an intermission