Saturday 9th April 2016: The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) has announced a collaboration with the International Centre for Sport Security Europe (ICSS EUROPE) to work together to help protect and safeguard sport.

From left to right, ICSS Founder and President Mr. Mohammed Hanzab, TTOC/ TTCGA President Mr. Brian Lewis and ICSS Europe CEO Mr. Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros

From left to right, ICSS Founder and President Mr. Mohammed Hanzab, TTOC/ TTCGA President Mr. Brian Lewis and ICSS Europe CEO Mr. Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros

Following from its support of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance this week, the TTOC will collaborate with ICSS EUROPE as it continues to build further momentum in encouraging more international organisations to join SIGA and will work together to drive reforms to tackle corruption and strengthen good governance and integrity in sport.

As part of the collaboration and in line with its commitment to benefit sport and support organisations across all sectors, ICSS EUROPE will also independently audit the TTOC’s governance model and assist with the development of a code of conduct on sports betting and integrity to maintain the TTOC’s position as a leading organisation in the field of sports policy, governance and integrity.

Brian Lewis, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) said:

“The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee is unwavering in its commitment to introduce the highest standard of good governance and integrity in sport in the country. Signing this agreement with an internationally recognised group of experts like the ICSS underlines the TTOC’s commitment to safeguard sport and the important values it teaches young people.

“On behalf of the TTOC, we wholeheartedly support the Sport Integrity Global Alliance and the principles it adheres to and we look forward to playing an active role in this new independent multi-stakeholder coalition.”

Mohammed Hanzab, Founder and President of the ICSS, said:

“The challenges now facing the safety, security and integrity of sport are greater than ever. The ICSS was established to benefit and serve sport and we remain determined to work with key organisations across all sectors, including governments and sports bodies, to stand up to the growing threats that sport now faces.

“This new agreement with the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee is a significant boost for ICSS EUROPE and demonstrates the strong commitment by one of the SIGA members to good governance and integrity in sport.

“On behalf of the ICSS, I would like to thank the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee for this new agreement and look forward to standing alongside them to drive vital reforms that will protect and safeguard sport.”

Dr Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, CEO of ICSS EUROPE, said:

“Recent events have shown that there is a real and urgent need for a new approach to the integrity and governance of sport. What is also clear is that this new approach must be credible, coordinated, comprehensive and global.

“The Sport Integrity Global Alliance, which involves over 50 international organisations from all sectors, aims to drive these new reforms and oversee the implementation of the highest of standards on good governance, financial and sport-betting integrity in sport.

“Following the announcement of a new independent multi-stakeholder coalition in Madrid this week, this new agreement with the TTOC underlines the commitment that SIGA members have to the principles of good governance and integrity. On behalf of ICSS EUROPE, I would like to thank them for this agreement and applaud their leadership in supporting reform to help protect sport from the threat of organised crime.”

Group photo of all participants who attended the SIGA meeting in Madrid, Spain

About the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS)

The ICSS is a globally-renowned and respected leader in sport safety, security and integrity. As an independent and non-profit organisation, the ICSS is at the forefront of efforts to safeguard sport and is an integral player in addressing critical issues in sport such as major event safety and venue security, match-fixing and betting fraud.

Its team of global experts, advisors and specialists has a wealth of experience and knowledge gained from working within leading international sport and governmental organisations, as well as national police forces.

For more details about the ICSS and its work, please visit www.theicss.org or follow on twitter at @the_ICSS