CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Business / Qatar Business

USCC hosts ‘business of protecting sport future’

Published: 21 Jan 2018 - 11:26 am | Last Updated: 02 Nov 2021 - 09:38 am
Qatar Chamber Board member Adel Al Mannai (right) with Dikembe Mutombo, NBA legend, on the sidelines of Securing Sport 2018 event in Washington DC, the US.

Qatar Chamber Board member Adel Al Mannai (right) with Dikembe Mutombo, NBA legend, on the sidelines of Securing Sport 2018 event in Washington DC, the US.

The Peninsula

DOHA: Leaders and international experts from the field of sport safety, security and integrity gathered at Securing Sport 2018 in Washington D.C this week to highlight the importance of a united approach to protecting sport as well as the urgent need to establish strong multi-sector partnerships to combat the emerging threats in sport safety, security and integrity.

Under the theme of ‘The Business of Protecting the Future of Sport’, Securing Sport 2018 brought together executives and experts from around the world to address key security and integrity issues facing sport and to explore business opportunities associated with major event security, sport governance and integrity and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Organised by the US Chamber of Commerce (USCC), the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) and The McCain Institute and with the support of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Securing Sport 2018 featured speakers and panellists from a range of international organisations including the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), the Department of Homeland Security, US Center for SafeSport, World Bank, Sport Radar USA and the NFL Players’ Association.

Speaking at the opening, Mohammed Hanzab, ICSS Chairman, said:  “Sport is an unparalleled economic, social, and cultural force. Yet, it is under attack like never before. Through the ICSS and forums like Securing Sport 2018, which gather top international experts from all sectors and corners of the world, I am passionate about making this vision a reality,” he said.

USCC President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue added: “Sport is important to a nation’s culture, identity, and often, its economy.. Let’s continue working together to grow and strengthen this vital industry.”

Under the overall conference theme, representatives from the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy also attended the event.

Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said: “The safety of everyone attending or participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup is our top priority. We’re determined to not only deliver the greatest, but also the safest and most secure FIFA World Cup ever and to leave a lasting positive legacy for the region.

“Qatar is already one of the safest countries in the world, making it a popular tourist destination. However, with almost 1.7m fans due in 2022, our Security Committee, headed by the Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, has left no stone unturned in finding and eliminating potential threats. From the numerous cooperation agreements put in place with international institutions, including

INTERPOL and the ICSS, to enhance the effectiveness of our security initiatives, to the regular observation programmes we conduct to other mega-events, safety and security will remain of the utmost importance to the SC to ensure the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar is as enjoyable and exciting as it is safe in five years’ time,” he added.

As part of Qatar Chamber’s support for the event, QC’s Board Member Adel Al Mannai attended on behalf of the chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani.