Saturday, May 23, brings a fun sporting event to Maple Ridge that honours the memory of a local Mountie who loved both sports and kids.
The third annual Const. Rick O’Brien Joint Forces Jamboree returns to Planet Ice and the Albion Fairgrounds for what organizers call “a full day of ball hockey, connection, mentorship, and community.”
It brings together youth aged 6-18 and first responders from across the Lower Mainland to play ball hockey, creating positive connections outside of crisis situations, and introducing the community to the people behind the uniforms.
“This event is about more than hockey,” said Nicole O’Brien, founder of the Joint Forces Foundation and organizer of the event. “It’s about creating moments where kids and first responders get to laugh together, play together, and connect as human beings.
“So many interactions with first responders happen during difficult moments in people’s lives. This day changes that.”
The Langley mother was parenting six children with Rick when his life was cut short. On Sept. 22, 2023, he was working on a drug investigation, and was part of a team of police officers entering a Coquitlam apartment when he was fatally shot.
He had worked as an education assistant in the school system, and also as a youth worker, and carried his ability to connect with youth into his policing career. Nicole created an event to carry on that legacy.
“We always say this event is built for first responders and powered by community,” she said. “You can feel the energy the second you walk in. It’s joy. It’s healing. It’s connection. And I truly believe Rick would be proud of what this community has created together.”
Over the first two years, there have been more than 450 youth and first responder players taking part, and thousands more who attended.
The Joint Forces Jamboree will run from 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., and admission is free.
In addition to ball hockey games there will be a Kidz Zone with a toddler arena, Ninja Warrior Obstacle course, laser tag, cornhole, connect 4 and more.
There is also a First Responder Zone with police dog service teams, the Emergency Response Team, firefighters, paramedics and Search and Rescue. Kids can explore vehicles, try on gear, and engage with the people behind the badges.
The Guns N’Hoses Game is one of the day’s big events, featuring a high-energy ball hockey showdown of police vs. firefighters.
Junior hockey players from the Vancouver Giants, Ridge Meadows Flames, Langley Rivermen and Coquitlam Express will be there as coaches.
The community corner features booths with local community partners, businesses and sports teams.
And there will be food trucks on site all day.
For more information or to register, see jointforces.ca/jamboree