Icon Nets Handball Showcase Event
The International Handball Federation extended its partnership with ICON Middle East for the third consecutive year in 2013, with the company awarded its full signage and branding requirements for its SuperGlobe tournament.
ICON recently secured a deal with the Glasgow 2014 to become the Official Provider of Look, Wayfinding and Signage Services for next summer’s Commonwealth Games, becoming a sponsor of the event in the process.
Held in the Gharafa Sports Club, in Doha, Qatar, the 2013 event showcased some of the best teams from across the globe and is an important tournament ahead of the country’s hosting of the IHF World Championships in 2015.
As is the case in certain other sports, the 2013 title was taken by FC Barcelona with the Catalans defeating HSV Hamburg 27 to 25 in the final.
ICON has previously provided branding, production and installation solutions to some of the world’s highest profile sporting events including the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Euro 2012, ECB international and domestic cricket fixtures, Wimbledon, the past two FIFA World Cups and the BT Sport Industry Awards 2013.
Mohammed Jaber Al Mulla, director of IHF Super Globe 2013 organising committee, said: ‘We were delighted with ICON’s creativity and the quality of installation. With the world championships just over a year away they helped us to showcase both the sport and the venue. With international television coverage a key part of any international sporting tournament organisers cannot underestimate the importance of the visual impact of any event. ICON ensured that the quality of the play on the court was matched by the quality of the surroundings and provided both athletes and spectators with a great experience.’
Dave Weller, managing director at ICON Middle East, added: ‘We were pleased to be able to continue our relationship with Qatar Handball Federation and Qatar National Olympic Committee. As a company we have been fortunate to work at this prestigious venue on several previous occasions for both volleyball and handball world class events.’
‘Each year we are able to develop the branding to the next level by fully utilising both the internal and external walls and facades. These provided ample scope for presenting this event’s branding, which incorporated both Arabic and English script.’
ICON supplied and fabricated, based on its own creative concepts, a number of unique elements, including the players accordion entry tunnel, 3D giant wall logos, both for interior and exterior fitting, a 3D floor graphic and unique telescopic towers.
These towers, which measure 2.10m high were shipped from ICON UK and shed light over the VIP entrance.
The final element of the event was the portable LED winner’s stage used for the presentation of the medals. This was designed by ICON and was the first time that such a structure has been used in a global sporting event.
