Tackling a global issue with local action
The IOC has established and progressed its safe sport strategy through joint efforts with the International Federations (IFs), in order to build a strong, collective movement. Burrows explained: “Back in 2023, we did a needs assessment with the IFs, and there was a really strong call to strengthen responses to abuse happening at local level so people can access care, guidance and support within their own culture. This has been fundamental to our approach, and critical to the impact we’re seeing so far.”
This led the IOC to launch the Safe Sport Regional Hub Initiative – supported by a USD 10m fund per Olympiad created to strengthen safe sport at local level, including the establishment of regional safeguarding hubs in Southern Africa and the Pacific Islands. While development of these hubs is underway and ongoing, the IOC is simultaneously providing training and tools to help stakeholders tackle the immediate challenges they face.
This approach has been validated by findings from a recent needs assessment conducted by the IOC*.* The survey shows significant progress across all 12 safeguarding indicators, in the way IFs have incorporated safeguarding measures into their practices in just two years. It also reveals that approximately one in four IFs still report having limited resources to handle safeguarding cases effectively, and over half still lack comprehensive data on the safeguarding structures at their member federations.
“It is positive to see the progress made, demonstrating that a holistic approach to safeguarding is now being increasingly embedded as a core responsibility across the Olympic Movement,” Burrows said. “But safeguarding is a continuous journey. We will continue to work side by side with IFs and Olympic Movement stakeholders to strengthen measures to ensure that athletes everywhere feel safe, respected and supported. We will also facilitate the strengthening of local, contextualised measures, through the Safe Sport Regional Hub Initiative.”
New tools to increase level of support
In order to continue to support stakeholders across the Olympic Movement effectively in their safeguarding and mental health efforts, new safe sport tools are expected to be presented and discussed in co-creation workshops at the Summit, recognising that safeguarding requires collective action, across sport and across society. Additionally, commitments to further strengthen collaboration and collective action to address these widespread societal issues in and through sport will be discussed.
The tools include an International Safe Sport Framework, an International Classification Tool and Response Framework, a Mental Health Awareness Course and a Safeguarding Focal Point Train the Trainer Course. The tools are designed to support early recognition of concerns and intervention, pathways to care, localised appropriate responses and the harmonisation of international standards.
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