By Priya Ranchod
The EMPD Metro Games 2026 delivered more than sporting excellence as metropolitan police officers from across South Africa gathered in Boksburg for a week that highlighted wellness, teamwork, inclusion and personal empowerment.
Hosted from 28 September to 2 October at Boksburg Stadium and St Dominic’s School, the tournament brought together members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department and Durban Metropolitan Police Department. While competition remained central to the event, the Games also provided officers with an opportunity to strengthen relationships, promote healthy lifestyles and engage with colleagues outside their daily operational environments.
Supporting the tournament was the Matla Life Foundation, which served as the official water sponsor throughout the week. The Foundation ensured that athletes, officials and spectators had access to water during the various sporting activities, reinforcing the importance of hydration, health and wellbeing in sport.
Competitors participated in a range of sporting codes, including netball, tennis, soccer, volleyball and aerobics. Across all disciplines, athletes displayed commitment, discipline, resilience and sportsmanship while representing their respective metro police departments.
For the Matla Life Foundation, however, the significance of the event extended beyond competition. The organisation used the platform to highlight the important role that sport plays in empowering women, building confidence and fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Head of CSI at Matla Life Foundation, Louisa Molise, said sport remains a powerful vehicle for transforming lives and creating opportunities for women to thrive.
“Empowering women through sports is a need. Sport is more than physical activity. It builds confidence, self esteem and a sense of inclusion, which is critically important for women in South Africa,” said Molise.
“When women are given space to compete, to lead and to belong on the field, they carry that strength into every part of their lives. We are proud to support a platform like the EMPD Metro Games that makes that possible.”
The Foundation’s involvement forms part of its broader commitment to corporate social investment initiatives that contribute to healthier, stronger and more inclusive communities. Through partnerships and community focused programmes, the organisation continues to support projects that uplift individuals and promote positive social development.
The Games also showcased the value of collaboration between metropolitan police departments. Officers from different cities were able to engage, compete and build meaningful connections while fostering unity and mutual respect through sport.
Matla Life Foundation congratulated the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department on successfully hosting the 2026 Metro Games and commended the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters whose efforts contributed to the success of the tournament.
As the week came to a close, the impact of the Games extended far beyond the final results. The event served as a powerful reminder that sport can unite people across different backgrounds, strengthen communities and create opportunities for personal growth. For the Matla Life Foundation, supporting the Metro Games was not simply about providing water to participants. It was about investing in people, promoting wellbeing and creating platforms where women and men can participate, lead, inspire and realise their full potential.
In the end, the greatest achievement was not measured by medals or trophies, but by the lasting message that health, empowerment and inclusion remain among the most powerful victories that sport can deliver.
