“Safety is our top priority“

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), The World Games 2022 Birmingham Organizing Committee, City of Birmingham, Jefferson County Emergency Management, state and local first responders and law enforcement officials held a tabletop exercise this week to test response plans around hypothetical public safety incidents on the days of The World Games 2022. Representatives from the International World Games Association took part in the event as well.

The participants of The World Games 2022 Active Threat Tabletop Exercise discussed pre-incident and incident information sharing procedures and emergency response and recovery operations following a hypothetical complex coordinated attack. This exercise took place virtually over four hours, and focused on pre-incident information sharing, incident response, and immediate recovery.

“Today’s exercise was just one of the many examples of the planning and coordination that takes place long before the games to keep fans and athletes safe,” said CISA Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security David Mussington. “Everyone has a role to play, and CISA looks forward to continuing to work with our partners throughout the region as we do our part to ensure the games are safe and secure.”

Participants discussed their roles, shared best practices, and improved coordination mechanisms to help keep the public safe during The World Games 2022. The exercise was part of an ongoing partnership between those involved and was not in response to any specific threat.

“Elite athletes from all over the world will be coming to Birmingham for The World Games 2022 to compete for gold in 34 sports at 14 different venues around the greater metropolitan area. Thousands will be participating in and watching these exciting events, and their safety is our top priority,” said Jay Kasten, Chief Operating Officer, The World Games 2022. “This exercise was an excellent opportunity to work with our federal, state and community partners as we all prepare to make The World Games 2022 an inspiring, memorable and safe experience.”

The CISA works with sports leagues, teams, stadiums and arenas, and other large venues around the country to develop and exercise response plans for all potential threats in today’s environment.

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