Law Enforcement for Youth presents the 2006 Pig Bowl Football Games July 29th

The Pig Bowl football games are full contact and played by local law enforcement members.

Pigbowl Game in 2005 Photo by: Bonnie King

(SALEM) - Local cops are gearing up for the upcoming Pigbowl Football Games. If you're ever seen these guys play, you know they're as committed to the game as they are to the kids that the event benefits. In fact, last year's lineup was on a par weight-wise with an NFL team. It is great, raw entertainment.

Most of them played in high school and college and they hail from all kinds of local agencies in police, corrections and beyond.

Law enforcement for Youth is a group that never stops working to improve life for kids, and kids today are facing challenges that many of us never expected. Still, we can take solace in the knowledge that dozens of area police officers and their supporters spend much of their off-work time in volunteer roles working on projects that truly benefit the community.

Fundraising events like the Pigbowl support Law Enforcement for Youth's grant programs that provide opportunities to low income, at risk and medically challenged youth. Law Enforcement for Youth is a 501c3 non-profit group and any donations you make to them are tax-deductible.

The first Pigbowl Game happens Saturday, July 29th. The gates open at 4:30 PM and the game starts at 6:00 PM. It is being held at the Chemawa Indian School, 3700 Chemawa Road in Salem.

The next Pigbowl is set for Saturday, August 12th. The gates open at 4:30 PM and the game starts at 6:00 PM. The sceond game is being held at the Hillsboro Stadium in Hillsboro. Tickets for both events are: $8 Adults, $5 youth (5-17), Under 5 are free. Tickets available at the gate "Law Enforcement for Youth is also partnering with the Salem area Boys & Girls Club and the Marion County Sheriff's Office to bring two outstanding youth camps to our community," says Steve Polanski, the local deputy who has dedicated thousands of hours from his personal time to the group's efforts. Law Enforcement for Youth and the Boys and Girls Club youth football camp will provide instruction on basic football skills to youth in the 4th through 7th grades, and participants will receive a football camp t-shirt. The camp is set for July 24th through 28th, from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM. It will be held at the Chemawa Indian School in Salem. Registration is $35.00, you can register at the Salem area Boys & Girls Clubs. After that comes the BLAST camp. (Bringing Law enforcement And Students Together) Polanski says this camp will consist of safety presentations, law enforcement demonstrations, interactive activities and team building exercises. This is held July 24th through 28th, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM at the Chemawa Indian Schoolin Salem. Registration for the BLAST camp is free, register at Salem area Boys & Girls Clubs or email Steve Polanski at steve@lawenforcementforyouth.com Polanski says that for youth attending both camps, a free lunch will be provided. Visit their Web site at www.lawenforcementforyouth.com