Police officers showing off skills for charity in annual motorcycle rodeo

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Police officers from across the country are putting their skills to the test in the 17th annual Palmetto Police Motorcycle Skills Competition.

Nearly 100 officers are hopping on their bikes in Myrtle Beach and going head to head in different speed and precision courses.

Sgt. Byron Harding with the Waterloo Regional Police Service made the 16-hour trip from Ontario, Canada.

He said the skills competition allows him and his team to train and go up against the best of the best.

“Up in Canada, we don’t get to ride all year long, only in the summer months,” Harding said. “So coming down here this time of year gives us the opportunity to knock off the rust, hone our skills and compete against some of the best police riders on the East Coast.”

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However, the motorcycle rodeo isn’t just for showing off fancy skills.

The event’s main purpose is to raise money for Camp Happy Days. The charity helps kids with cancer get out of their hospital rooms and enjoy activities outside.

Horry County Police Cpl. Ken Kovarsky said their goal is to raise $25,000 or more this year, and going to camp with the kids is a treat for everyone.

“We bring the motorcycles down there so they can climb on the motorcycles and take pictures,” Kovarsky said. “Some of our K9s come down as well, and we try to make a day of it. They like it, and of course, the staff really enjoys it too.”

The police motorcycle rodeo is free for you and your family to attend.

The event kicks off Wednesday and goes through Saturday at the Myrtle Beach Mall.

Officers will practice on Wednesday and Thursday, with the main competition on Friday and Saturday.

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