Josoor Institute, a centre of excellence founded by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), kicked off today its executive development programme titled ‘Spectator Services – A Senior Manager and Director Viewpoint’.
The highly intensive programme is being attended by a number of 30 senior managers and directors working in the sports and events industries who are interested in developing their understanding of and capabilities in spectator services and public safety at venues.
Commenting on the success of the programme and the crucial role of high quality spectator services in accelerating the growth of the sports and events industries in the MENA region, Mushtaq Al-Waeli, Executive Director (acting) of Josoor Institute, said:
‘Spectators’ attendance and their positive experience on the ground are probably the most accurate measurements of an event’s success and offer a powerful driver of the development of the industry. This is why training the people responsible for creating safe and enjoyable experiences for spectators at sporting and non-sporting events is so important to us.
‘Programmes like our Spectator Services training support the development of a strong spectator safety and service culture in Qatar and the MENA region. We’re committed to establishing the MENA region’s reputation as a top choice destination for mega events with high standards of safety and the best quality services for spectators at the venues.’
As Qatar heads towards 2022, the nation is putting forward all efforts to deliver a superb FIFA World Cup™. Currently there are five stadiums under construction in Qatar for the tournament.
‘As the physical infrastructure required for hosting the competition begins to take shape, Qatar should also focus on developing and investing in its human capital. This is where Josoor Institute’s mission comes into play’, added Mr Al-Waeli.
The two-day programme is being delivered by Andy Young, Ex-Senior Consultant at Wembley Consulting and head of events services during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Martin Girvan, Inspector at Sports Ground Safety Authority, UK. Both speakers have deep experience in the field and were involved in developing and executing the protocol for spectator services and safety for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
During the programme, speakers will cover key aspects of the UK National Vocational Qualifications in spectator safety¾considered to be the industry benchmark¾and will show how they could be tailored to the unique needs of the MENA region. Among the topics to be discussed during the programme are spectator services, safety and security integration, overview of risk assessment, risk management, event planning and management for spectator services and safety, event operations for spectators and many others.
Commenting on the spectator services culture in Qatar, Andy Young, who was the head of events services during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, said:
‘Qatar, like any other country, will face challenges while hosting major events, but I believe Qatar has already identified its challenges and knowing what you have to deal with is the first step to a successful event. Josoor Institute has the important role of introducing international experts, encouraging a dialogue between international and local experts and training people who will be responsible for staging major events to really deliver something that Qatar and the whole region would be proud of.’
The programme welcomes delegates from Qatar and around the region, including representatives from the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Ministry of Interior, Qatar Football Association, Qatar Starts League, Aspire Zone Foundation, Aspire Logistics and several local sports clubs and schools. Among the regional delegates are representatives from the UAE Professional League Committee and Jordanian Local Organising Committee for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016.
