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)
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