GAISF and the IOC have organised two virtual sessions for IF members on safeguarding athletes ©GAISF

A total of 79 people from 42 organisations attended two safeguarding workshops designed for International Sports Federations to learn how to take meaningful action to create safe sporting environments for athletes.

The workshops, jointly organised by the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), were delivered by specialised consultancy and project delivery company IGNITX.

The majority of those taking part were from the Association of IOC Recognised International Sport Federations (ARISF) and Alliance of Independent recognised Members of Sport (AIMS).

In the first workshop, participants were able to consider and discuss the concept of environmental risks and risk factors which exist within sports communities.

A total of 42 organisations took part in the recent virtual safeguarding workshops jointly organised by GAISF and the IOC ©GAISF
A total of 42 organisations took part in the recent virtual safeguarding workshops jointly organised by GAISF and the IOC ©GAISF

These discussions were then built upon during the second workshop as participants were asked to identify the top three issues within their own communities.

They were also asked to suggest practical strategies that could be implemented to mitigate these risks and create a safe, inclusive sports environment.

GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli said: "GAISF is committed to providing an invaluable service to its members, and workshops on important issues such as safeguarding in sport is just one of many key areas we target. 

"It was encouraging to see the active participation of all participants during these workshops, and I have no doubt that this will support the excellent work the IOC is already doing to help protect athletes against all forms of harassment and abuse in sport."