A tabletop security exercise has been held by the 2022 World Games in Birmingham to ensure safety is prioritised at next year's events ©World Games 2022

A tabletop exercise has been held to test response plans around hypothetical public safety incidents during next year's re-arranged World Games in Birmingham in Alabama in the United States.  

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Birmingham 2022 organisers, the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County Emergency Management, state and local first responders and law enforcement officials took part in the event, along with representatives from the International World Games Association.

Among the items discussed was 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.

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

"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."

CISA executive assistant director for infrastructure security David Mussington claimed the tabletop exercise was designed to keep athletes and fans safe during the 2022 World Games in Birmingham ©CISA
CISA executive assistant director for infrastructure security David Mussington claimed the tabletop exercise was designed to keep athletes and fans safe during the 2022 World Games in Birmingham ©CISA

Participants discussed their roles, shared best practices, and improved coordination mechanisms to help keep the public safe during Birmingham 2022, which was postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is now due to take place next year between July 7 and 17.

The exercise was part of an ongoing partnership between those involved and was not in response to any specific threat.

A total of 3,600 athletes from 100 countries are expected to compete at the Games in Birmingham.

"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," said Jay Kasten, chief operating officer of Birmingham 2022.

"Thousands will be participating in and watching these exciting events, and their safety is our top priority.

"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."