The International Centre for Sport Security highlights the importance of ‘maximum security and minimum restrictions’ at major sporting events at Sportech 2012

Doha, Qatar, May 09, 2012: The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), the international organization that aims to enhance safety, security and integrity in the world of sport, highlighted the importance of ‘maximum security and minimum restrictions’ at major sporting events at Sportech 2012 in Doha.

As part of its mission to share knowledge and best practice in the fields of sport safety, security and integrity, Helmut Spahn, Executive Director, ICSS, took part in the ‘Cost-effective, advanced security technologies to ensure maximum security with minimum disruption’ panel. He highlighted the important role that technology plays in major sporting event security and the need for it to be integrated at an early stage in the overall project plan. He also discussed the importance of research and the comprehensive and objective analysis of situations alongside preparation for all scenarios.

Helmut Spahn, Executive Director, ICSS, said: “Safe and secure events require an integrated, holistic approach combining flexible planning with good coordination between all stakeholders. This allows organisers and those responsible for safety and security to take full advantage of innovative technology solutions, while ensuring maximum security with minimum impact on the overall event experience for fans and athletes.”

Helmut Spahn was joined on the panel by Khalid N.Sadiq Al-Hashmi, Executive Director at Cyber Security/QCERT and Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology at ictQATAR, and Timur Shah, Events Division Manager at G4S Qatar.

Sportech 2012 was attended by senior decision makers from the sports industry, including Local Organising Committees, Sport Associations and Federations with responsibility for planning, implementing and managing technology and IT for major sporting events. Other speakers at this year’s conference included Ibrahim Khalil Al Jefairi, IT Director, Qatar Olympic Committee, Paul Vaughan, CEO, England Rugby 2015, Tim Boden, Technical Director, BT London 2012 Programme – BT Global Services and Sanjeev Katwa, Head of IT, Manchester City FC.