Meetings held in Bratislava, Slovakia, on 12 March marked the conclusion of the Special Olympics Operation Safeguard initiative, funded by the European Union's Erasmus+.
Representatives from SO Europe Eurasia Foundation, Special Olympics teams from Slovakia, Cyprus, Belgium, Estonia and Ireland, and the external partner Centre for Sports and Human Rights, convened to discuss the project's outcomes and legacy.
The discussions encompassed a range of topics related to safeguarding, including safeguarding measures for Special Olympics athletes, the significance of safeguarding, acceptable behaviors for volunteers, coaches, staff and athletes, as well as unacceptable behaviors.
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia President & Managing Director David Evangelista said, "Ensuring the safety and well-being of our Special Olympics athletes has always been our top priority.
“Through collaborative efforts with our Programs and the Centre for Sports and Human Rights, and the support of the European Union, this project has enabled us to strengthen our safeguarding measures, equipping our programs with the necessary policies, training and procedures to protect our athletes to the fullest extent."
“We are committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all."
Centre for Sport & Human Rights CEO Mary Harvey added, “The Centre for Sport & Human Rights is pleased to have provided support to Special Olympics International on their journey towards the development and strengthening of effective safeguarding policies.”
The aim of this project is for the Special Olympics Programs within the consortium to develop safeguarding policies, safeguarding training and reporting procedures to give the best possible protection to their athletes.
The project's insights and recommendations will be instrumental in supporting the implementation of safeguarding policies across National Programs in the Europe/Eurasia region, fostering a safer environment for everyone.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
