The first Visa Paralympic World Cup in May required stewarding, accreditation checks and assistance in the movement of spectators, the press, VIPs (such as HRH Prince Edward and Cherie Blair) and athletes between four venues in Manchester.
The four-day, 44-nation event’s official supplier of security was Group 4 Securicor (UK Security). Peter Brown, Senior Risk Auditor at the firm, devised the risk assessment for the venues. This involved a security and safety risk appraisal of all venues at an early stage. Brown says: “It was essential to determine the nature and the types of threat posed to the event, the athletes and spectators. We conducted a unique and individual risk profile of each specific venue so that we could deliver a bespoke security and stewarding service.” Paul Bullen, Director of Events at Group 4 Securicor (UK Security) said: “All events have unique aspects that required our security expertise to be delivered in different ways. At the Visa Paralympic World Cup it was crucial for our security staff to take into account the increased amount of access needed to all venues to enable the athletes to move between venues easily and safely.”
What they say
Alan Pascoe, Chairman of Fast Track, the event organisers said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and the competitors, coaches and all the officials have expressed the same opinion about the Visa Paralympic World Cup. We created a world class event that gave the world’s top elite athletes with a disability much needed competition. The World status of the event was enhanced by the presence of HRH Prince Edward and Cherie Blair. Their presence increased our security requirements significantly which is why we asked Group 4 Securicor (UK Security) to work with us at this special occasion.”
