Show must go on for city sport events after Boston blasts

Wednesday, 17 April 2013 01:32 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

REUTERS: Deadly bomb blasts that hit the Boston marathon on Monday will not affect the future of city sports events even though full security can never be guaranteed for the thousands of fans, experts said on Tuesday.

Two bombs ripped through the crowd at the finish line of the illustrious race, killing three people, maiming others and injuring more than 100 in what a White House official said would be treated as an “act of terror.”

It was the worst bombing on U.S. soil since security was tightened after the attacks of 11 September, 2001, and President Barack Obama promised to hunt down whoever was responsible on a day when tens of thousands of spectators packed the streets to watch the world-famous race.

While the incident instantly raised the issue of security at outdoor city events, experts believe it will not affect their future, popularity or revenues.

“To have a 100% security is very, very difficult if not near impossible,” said Helmut Spahn, Executive Director of the International Centre for Sport Security. “There has to be a clear analysis of the situation and certainly no over-reaction,” he added.

“More police, more military is not always the best solution,” Spahn, who was in charge of security for the 2006 soccer World Cup and the 2011 women’s World Cup in Germany, told Reuters.

“It should be a tailor-made security event instead of blanket security plan. Not just standard measures, a tailor-made concept and what is decisive for me is that safety and security can not been seen isolation,” he said.

“It should be an integrated holistic approach. You cannot have for example a large number of police and military and then have holes in your accreditation system.”

For Spahn, the Boston blasts are unlikely to discourage other major sports events held in city courses instead of stadiums or indoor arenas where security can be much more controlled.

Boston is part of the World Marathon Majors, an association of the world’s biggest marathon races that includes New York, Tokyo, Berlin, London and Chicago.

London marathon organisers are already reviewing their security arrangements ahead of Sunday’s race.