The European Olympic Committees (EOC) will further enhance their commitment to safe sport and gender equality during a three-day conference set to be attended by 24 National Olympic Committees (NOC) in Brussels between 6 and 8 March.

Led by EOC Executive Committee Member and Chair of the Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Commission, Ms Annamarie Phelps, the event will be run in conjunction with the EOC EU Office, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Belgian National Olympic Committee (NOC) and The Well HQ, a leading women’s health organisation.

The focus will be on safeguarding in relation to gender equality, and how a better understanding of female health throughout sporting organisations can help drive positive change. Following keynote addresses, practical workshops and group discussions during the first two days, the third day of the event will serve as the final conference for the Guidance to Achieve More Equal Leadership in Sport (GAMES) Project, funded by Erasmus+ and run by the EOC EU Office.

GEDI Commission Chair Ms Phelps emphasised the importance of the conference in helping to foster cooperation and a sharing of best practices between NOCs, thanking the EOC and the Belgian NOC for the foresight to host the event.

Ms Phelps said: “One of the biggest and most important issues facing sports organisations worldwide is safeguarding and ensuring that everyone is able to be involved in and enjoy sport in a safe and secure environment. This is an issue that impacts athletes, coaches and officials regardless of gender and all ages, but statistically female participants are more at risk of being abused or harassed in sport.

“In Brussels, the EOC will bring together NOCs from across Europe to discuss the challenges we continue to face, and the best systems and processes to combat abuse in sport. Sharing best practice is vital in the fight for safe sport to allow us to reach a position where all athletes and participants can thrive. I am confident that the discussions we have over the next three days will have an immediate and positive impact.

“The EOC has shown its commitment to safeguarding by enabling this workshop, while we must also thank the Belgian NOC for its role in hosting.”

Pedro Dias, Gender Equality & Diversity Manager at the IOC, said: “The IOC is committed to playing a leading role in safeguarding and gender equality across the Olympic Movement to ensure that we address this critical issue. It is vital for the future of sport that all athletes are able to practice sport without fear of abuse or harassment. We are pleased to work with the EOC and their members in Brussels this week and welcome the continued work that they are doing and progress they are making. I am sure that further initiatives will emerge following two days of instructive discussions.”

Belgian NOC President Jean-Michel Saive said: “I would like to thank the IOC and the EOC GEDI Commission for having selected Belgium as host for this important conference. It gives us, as BOIC, the opportunity to share our experience and knowledge with other National Olympic Committees and to learn from them.

“This exchange, especially in subjects such as safeguarding or promoting gender equality, is crucial in today’s sports movement. It is by learning from each other that we can continue to improve in create a safe and welcoming sports environment for all.”

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