Gainesville first responder, healthcare worker and rugby player, Jordyn Zyngier, will represent the Sunshine State at the 2025 World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) on June 27-July 6 in Birmingham, Alabama.
Known as the “Games of Heroes,” the biennial event brings together more than 8,500 current and retired first responders from over 70 countries to compete in nearly 80 different sports ranging from bodybuilding, volleyball and half marathon racing, to police action combat, wrist wrestling and chess.
The games also include water and K-9 sports such as freshwater angling and K-9 narcotics and explosive detection.
Zyngier will compete in rugby 7’s, a faster-paced version of the English sport using seven team members instead of the traditional 15.
“I’ve never been in an environment where the other athletes are also first responders who understand the pace and pressure of this work,” Zyngier said in the release. “I’m excited to represent the Gainesville area and to build relationships with others who do this work in their own communities.”
Zyngier’s passion for rugby came from growing up listening to her father’s own rugby stories. He played at the collegiate level and later with the Detroit Tradesmen.
“Hearing his stories made me feel connected to the sport before I ever played it,” she said. “I was lucky to play in college, and it stuck.”
In 2023, Zyngier moved to Florida from Michigan to lead public health education efforts across the region.
As an EMT and the pediatric trauma injury prevention and outreach coordinator at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, Zyngier manages Stop the Bleed training and coordinates the Safe Kids North Central Florida Coalition, which provides outreach on child passenger safety and injury prevention.
Zyngier also serves part-time with Bradford County Fire Rescue and volunteers with the High Springs Fire Department, supporting EMS and community programs.
While competing with Tampa Krewe, a women’s rugby club that won the 2024 national championship, Zyngier learned that rugby is a WPFG eligible sport.
Founded in 1985, the WPFG aims to promote physical fitness, professional development and camaraderie among first responders globally. The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF) organizes the event, which has grown to become one of the largest athletic events in the world.
Zyngier said she knew she wanted to take advantage of such a rare opportunity to unite her professional life and athletic background.
“I’ve always been driven by two things: serving others and playing rugby,” she said. “Moving to Florida helped me stay involved in both, but learning I could play the game I love as a first responder brought everything full circle. It’s the first time I’ve truly felt like both sides of my life are on the same team.”
First responders across Florida are encouraged to take part in WPFG, which is still open for registration.
Friends and family of Zyngier or any other WPFG athlete can purchase credentials to access exclusive areas in the Athletes Village, transportation to select venues, lodging discounts and other perks throughout the Games.