2010 SOUTH EAST POLICE MOTORCYCLE TRAINING
The 2010 South East Police Motorcycle Rodeo and Safety Skills Competition was held on Saturday, April 10 at the Pompano Citi Centre Mall in Pompano Beach, Florida. Thanks to everyone on the Committee, Wings of Gold, Our Corporate Sponsors, Vendors and Competitors, it was a tremendous success. 112 Law Enforcement Motor Officers participated in this event, representing various Florida Agencies, with a crowd of thousands cheering from the stands and side-lines. Competing agencies hailed from as far south as Hialeah and as far north as Daytona Beach. Local support was outstanding, with agencies providing officers from Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Broward Sheriff's Office, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Seminole Police Department, the Coral Springs PD, and Sunrise PD.
The Rodeo is the yearly event and fundraiser of the South East Police Motorcycle Rodeo Committee, and is the largest police motorcycle safety skills competition held in the Southeastern United States. The training courses were extremely demanding, difficult and intricate and are designed to enhance the daily riding skills of the motor officers. Training for the event was held for three days prior, April 7 - 9.
Proceeds from the Motorcycle Rodeo benefit C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) and Muscular Dystrophy charities. C.O.P.S. is a national organization which benefits the children of police officers who are killed in the line of duty. This year, with your support we were able to raise $43,000 for COPS and $1000 for MDA. In addition, $500 was donated to Embrace Life Children's Foundation and Broward Children's Center (both local Broward County Charities).
The Seminole Tribe of Florida was the title sponsor of the event, with other heavyweight sponsors including Harley Davidson, Eddie Accardi Motors, the Aero Toy Store, Vista, A Coventry Health Care Plan, Geico Local Office, Gold Coast Beverages, Pepsi Americas, MetroPCS, Chick-fil-A, Pompano Citi Centre and Moe's Southwest Grill, Amerigas and mant more.
One of the major fundraising activities of the committee included a raffle for a 2010 Harley-Davidson Sportser 883 Motorcycle with trailer, which helped to secure additional revenue for the event. Congratulations and thanks to Tim from Vero Beach for supporting a wonderful cause and winning this years raffle.
The rodeo also showcased sponsor booths, trade booths and a silent auction which included items from the Goodyear Blimp, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, the Florida Panthers, RV Rentals of Broward, Macy's, Lowe's, the Florida Marlins and restaurants and attractions from all over the South Florida area.
The Wings of Gold Motorcycle Club provided volunteer judges for the event, and kept track of the scores of the participating motormen. Scores are based on time and precision, while navigating the various courses set-up by the rodeo committee. Please continue to visit our website during the year to learn more about the 2011 event, which will be held on Saturday, April 9. Mark your calendars!
The 2010/2011 Board of Directors:
- President - Don Solinger
- Vice President - James Boudreaux
- Secretary-Mike Pianelli
- Treasurer - Don Logan