The start of the EU-funded project, “Safeguarding Children in Sports” (GUARD), marked a significant milestone with its inaugural transnational meeting held in Zagreb. The meeting, hosted by the Croatian Olympic Committee (NOC Croatia), convened representatives from partner organizations across Europe.

The event commenced with warm welcome speeches from Morana Paliković Gruden, Vice President of the NOC Croatia, and Natalija Havidić, Director of Strategic Planning, Digitalization, and EU Funds at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia. Their remarks highlighted the shared commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and youth participating in sports activities.

Partners participating in the GUARD project include the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia, NOC Poland, NOC Slovenia, NOC Romania, NOC Greece, NOC Lithuania, and the NOC of North Macedonia.

During the transnational meeting, discussions revolved around detailed project activities, timelines, and duty allocation among the partner organizations as well as upcoming deliverable deadlines. Participants seized the opportunity to delineate their roles in developing safeguarding structures, procedures, and educational materials for Child Safeguarding Officers. Lastly, the official logo of the project was presented and approved by the consortium.

On the second day, two presentations were held on the topic of child safeguarding in sport. Doc. dr. sc. Zrinka Greblo Jurakić, as a member of the Pool of international experts on safe sport by the Council of Europe presented the research study – Game Changers: Enhancing Youth Sports through Child Safeguarding, while the Workpackage 2 Lead and Child Safeguarding Officer of NOC Croatia, Matea Horvat, had an intro to the policies including the International Olympic Committee, EU and national policies.

The meeting underscored the collective motivation among partners to collaborate, pool resources, and leverage expertise to achieve tangible results. By joining forces, the GUARD project aims to effect positive changes in safeguarding practices within the realm of youth sports.

“This transnational meeting in Zagreb has set a solid foundation for our collaborative efforts in safeguarding children in sports,” stated Morana Palikovic Gruden. “We are excited to embark on this journey with our esteemed partners and are confident in our collective ability to make a meaningful difference.” Natalija Havidic added, “The Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia is proud to support the GUARD project and looks forward to contributing to the development of robust safeguarding mechanisms that prioritize the well-being of young athletes.”

As the GUARD project moves forward, partners are energized and committed to advancing its objectives and delivering on its promises. Together, they are poised to create safer environments for children participating in sports activities across Europe.

Source: Croatian Olympic Committee