"Defence," implored Vernon North Okanagan RCMP Supt. Blake Macleod from the comfort of the team bench, while offering shifts off (particularly night shifts) to anyone who could stop the Special Olympics Lions' basketball squad.
"Play some defence."
The RCMP Barkers (named Monday in honour of new recruit Const. Stephanie Barker, fresh out of depot, who, along with three teammates, wore shirts from depot with her name BARKER emblazoned on the front) kept it close in a friendly exhibition hoops game Monday, March 3, against the Special Olympians at Ellison Elementary School.
The local constabulary only trailed the match played at the home of the Ellison Eagles by just three points at halftime.
Macleod himself came off the bench wearing his sky blue Nike low cuts and put in time on the floor, trying to inspire his troops.
In the end, however, the Special Olympians soared like the majestic birds to a win, their second straight victory in as many years against the police. If you count softball, the cops are 0-4 in their last four events against the Lions.
"It was an epic basketball showdown with some incredible Special Olympics BC athletes," wrote the RCMP on their social media pages. "They brought their A-game, showing off some serious skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
"Let鈥檚 just say, the scoreboard was NOT in our favour! Don鈥檛 worry 鈥� we鈥檙e already planning our rematch."
After the game, handshakes and smiles were aplenty, as both squads gathered for the obligatory teams photo.
