Sports
IOC Implements Measures To Safeguard Athletes
The International Olympic
Committee (IOC) says it has taken an important step forward in the protection of athletes from harassment and abuse in sports in time for the Rio Olympics.
A statement by the IOC on Thursday said this was in line with the reforms of Olympic Agenda 2020, which is to strengthen support to athletes.
Also, it is coming on the heels of the recommendations of four IOC Commissions (Athletes, Athletes Entourage, Medical and Scientific, and Women in Sport).
The IOC said a clear structure would be in place in Rio for participants to report any incident of harassment or abuse.
“This procedure will be coordinated by an IOC Welfare Officer, who shall be on site in the Village during the Games.
“All reported incidents will be dealt with through a confidential procedure linked to local law enforcement agencies and relevant disciplinary channels,’’ the world sports body said.
Olympic Games Rio 2016 will be the Games’ first edition where a framework for safeguarding athletes from harassment and abuse will exist.
“This will start from the opening of the Olympic Village on Sunday, July 24 and lasting until the closing of the Olympic Village on Aug. 24.
“Reporting guidelines have already been shared with all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) attending the Games,’’ the IOC said.
It added that guidelines for all NOCs and International Federations (IFs) to implement their own policies to safeguard athletes from harassment and abuse in sport have also been developed by the IOC.
“This has been done in collaboration with leading stakeholders from the Olympic Movement.
“These guidelines were approved by the IOC Executive Board on June 1 and are aimed at further assisting IFs and NOCs in protecting their athletes,’’ the sports body said.
The IOC added that it considers the topic of harassment and abuse in sports as a very real danger that requires the commitment and unity of sports organisations worldwide to combat.
“As such, a toolkit will be developed following the Olympic Games Rio 2016.
“It will contain best practice materials and step-by-step guidance to help all sports bodies in the implementation of a safeguarding policy related to the prevention of harassment and abuse.’’
The IOC then recalled that it had earlier released a Consensus Statement: Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport (2006).
It states that while sexual harassment and abuse occur worldwide, everyone in sports shares the responsibility to identify and prevent sexual harassment and abuse and to develop a culture of dignity, respect and safety in sport.
“Sports organisations, in particular, are gatekeepers to safety and should demonstrate strong leadership in identifying and eradicating these practices.’’
The IOC said further information regarding the protection of athletes from harassment and abuse in sport could be found on the Safe Sport section of the Olympic Athletes Hub.(NAN)
OLAL
The Ardova Handball Premier League 2025, which began with the first phase in Benin City months ago, before the second phase in Lagos which ends with a finale that the Executive Chairman of Ardova PLC, Dr. Abdulwasiu Sowami, ably represented by the Deputy Managing Director, Ardova PLC, Mrs Abiola Babatunde-Ojo, described as delightful to watch in her speech.
For Safety Shooters, it was a historic moment as they clinched the men’s title for the first time since 2020, completing a dominant campaign that saw them finish top of the table with 57 points from 20 matches while Safety Babes also etched their name deeper into Nigerian handball history, winning an unprecedented fifth consecutive women’s championship, reaffirming their status as the league’s most dominant team, not just in the women’s category but in the history of handball premier league in Nigeria.
In the Men’s Safety Shooters finished the season in style, beating COAS Shooters 43–32 (20–10) to cap off a dominant outing in Phase 2.
Their final-day victory ensured they remained clear at the summit with an impressive 18 wins, one draw, and one loss, totaling a superb goal difference of +214 after scoring 638 goals and conceding 424.
The organisers of the Ikoyi Club Tennis Masters Tournament have earmarked N4 million as the prize money for this year’s edition.
?The Chairman of the tennis section of Ikoyi Club, Diran Famakinwa, stated this at a briefing, highlighting the activities for the second edition of the tournament.
?The tournament, which is in collaboration with MegaMound Investment Limited, is endorsed by the Nigerian Tennis Federation.
?According to Famakinwa, the male and female champions will receive N500,000 each, while the runners-up in both categories will go home with the sum of N350,000 each, with the remaining money to be shared among the semi-finalists and other participants.
?Sixteen players, which includes the eight top ?male and eight top female players, will feature in the one-week event, which started on December 5, and run till Saturday, December 13.
?The female final will be held on Friday, December 12, while the male final will take up on Saturday, December 13.
In a statement released on Saturday, the NSC described the defender as “Captain Fantastic” and praised his decade of distinguished service to Nigeria, highlighting a legacy defined by professionalism, consistency, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to national duty.
“After a decade of distinguished service to Nigeria, Troost-Ekong leaves behind a legacy defined by professionalism, consistency, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to national duty,” the NSC stated.
The commission noted that, as one of the most capped defenders in Super Eagles history with 83 international appearances since his debut in 2015, Troost-Ekong served as a pillar of leadership across multiple tournaments and qualification campaigns.
“His exceptional outing at the last Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored three goals and was named Player of the Tournament, remains one of the most remarkable achievements by a defender in AFCON history,” the NSC added.
The statement further emphasised that Troost-Ekong’s “Nigeria first” mindset, discipline and exemplary conduct set a standard for the next generation of athletes, with his influence within the national team extending beyond the pitch to inspire unity, resilience and professionalism among his teammates.
Meanwhile, Troost-Ekong has dismissed rumours that he was forced to retire by the country’s football administrators as punishment for leading a revolt against the NFF.
The 32-year-old’s announcement came less than a month before the AFCON, and he was named in the 54-man preliminary list. His decision sparked speculation, particularly as he had led a strike in protest against unpaid bonuses during the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
One fan speculated on social media, suggesting that Troost-Ekong was pressured to quit after exposing the NFF. The Al Khoolood defender offered a sharp retort, establishing that he unilaterally made the decision to retire.
“Not true! My own choice/decision and on my own terms. No one ever asked/tried to force me out. If anything, the opposite when I shared my decision. I wish the team all the best and support them together with all Nigerians for the upcoming AFCON to go all the way,” he wrote on X.
The NSC concluded by wishing Troost-Ekong the very best in the next chapter of his career and commending him for representing Nigeria with honour.
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