The European Olympic Committees (EOC) Safeguarding in Sport Workshop emphasised the importance of collaboration between all stakeholders and the need for immediate action between 6 and 8 March in Brussels, Belgium.
Attended by representatives from 24 European National Olympic Committees (NOCs), including safeguarding and welfare officers, and ending on International Women’s Day, the workshop focused on improving the understanding of NOCs obligations and the link with their gender equality work.
It equipped them with the necessary knowledge and tools to give them confidence in implementing safeguarding protocols and dealing with cases.
The event was hosted by the EOC, the EOC EU Office and the Belgian NOC, with representatives from the International Olympic Committee, Olympic Solidarity, The Well HQ and the Thomas More Institute brought in to run workshops and give presentations.
Friday served as the Final Conference for the EOC EU Office’s GAMES Project, which has focused on improving gender equality in leadership roles across the participating NOCs.
Following the welcome addresses on Wednesday evening, The Well HQ, represented by Dr Emma Ross and Baz Moffat, gave a fascinating and insightful keynote speech on female health in sport, focusing on the progress that still needs to be made despite the positive steps so far.
The second day began with presentations from Tine Vertommen, a consultant for the IOC Safe Sport Unit and who works for the Thomas More Institute, and Richard Bush of Bird & Bird, experts in safeguarding law, before the attendees took part in practical workshops.
This was followed by panel discussions focused on different initiatives run by the Montenegrin and Austrian NOCs as well as the next steps for the EOC, in line with Strategic Agenda 2030.
EOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commission Chair Annamarie Phelps said: “We wanted the EOC’s first Safeguarding in Sport workshop to equip those attending with the knowledge and tools to improve NOCs response to safeguarding concerns and to further enhance the collaborative approach to safe sport among European NOCs.
“The two-and-a-half days of presentations, practical workshops and panel discussions have helped create real momentum among the attendees, who have been fully engaged throughout. I believe that we have helped create an increased understanding of the challenges and issues faced by women in sport, as well as the link between female health and safeguarding.
“Alongside the educational aspect of the workshop, the time in Brussels provided NOC representatives time to network with colleagues and build in-person relationships which will help in the sharing of best practice moving forward, and in creating environments where all athletes are able to thrive and succeed. Thank you to the EOC EU Office for their support and to the Belgian NOC for hosting this important event for the EOC.”
Silvja Mitevska, Chair of the North Macedonia NOC Working Group on Gender Equality, said: “It has been very informative, very engaging and very interesting. As the leader of the North Macedonian Gender Equality Working Group, I did not have a lot of insight into safeguarding previously, whereas now I understand the importance of the issue and will work closely with our safeguarding officer to support them in their work.
“In addition to the insights we received, networking with other NOCs has been incredibly useful. It is always helpful to listen to the solutions they have found to issues that we may or may not face, as well as the protocols that they have in place. I have had productive conversations with many people and have taken away a lot of tips and ideas that I can potentially implement in my own country.”
