International Symposia on Athlete Safeguarding Conclude with Strong Commitment to Future Safety Initiatives

Conclusion of International Symposia on Athlete Safeguarding

The U.S. Center for SafeSport recently wrapped up two pivotal international symposia aimed at enhancing athlete safeguarding in sports. These events, titled “United Globally for Athlete Safety,” took place in Cortina during the 2026 Paralympic Games on March 11 and earlier on February 11 in Milan at the Tennis Club Milano Alberto Bonacossa during the Olympics.

Over 175 participants from more than 40 countries convened to discuss strategies and best practices for ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes across various sports. The discussions were fueled by a shared commitment among Olympic and Paralympic leaders to foster a supportive environment for athletes at all levels, from local practice fields to the Olympic podium.

Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, the CEO of the U.S. Center for SafeSport and an LA84 Olympian, emphasized the need for collective efforts across national borders. “We want to ensure that athletes feel safe, supported, and empowered,” she stated, reflecting on her mission to return to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics with a comprehensive safety strategy for athletes.

The events kicked off with a warm welcome from Mosley and included contributions from various subject matter experts who delineated the U.S. approach to athlete safeguarding. The Paralympic symposium featured insights from five elite athletes, Olympians and Paralympians from countries including Australia and Italy, providing a well-rounded perspective on safety in sports.

“I am very gratified that we are here today with mechanisms in place to start working on protecting these athletes and their experiences,” remarked U.S. Paralympian Brad Snyder, underscoring the significance of safeguarding athletes in light of the tremendous good that sports can bring.

Importance of Collaborative Safeguarding Efforts

The discourse didn’t end with just acknowledgment of existing challenges; it also focused on building networks and coalitions that extend beyond national boundaries. Greta Garbone, Human Rights Manager at Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, pointed out the importance of continued collaboration to establish international coalitions.

In an innovative move, the Center piloted a real-time misconduct reporting process during the 2026 Winter Games, preparing for the LA28 Games with proactive measures. Staff members were on-site to accept reports of concerns, coordinate with law enforcement and sport officials, and respond swiftly to any allegations of misconduct.

The Center also rolled out unique resources and training for volunteers and staff working with U.S. athletes. This included detailed guidance for parents and guardians on how to effectively communicate the necessity of safe sporting environments for their children during these games.

A Mission Driven by Necessity

The U.S. Center for SafeSport stands as the sole independent entity focused on eradicating all forms of abuse in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sports. Reacting to the pressing need for safeguards following high-profile abuse incidents from the mid-2010s, the Center has dedicated itself to ensuring that athlete well-being is prioritized within the national sporting culture. It has been proactive in establishing safety policies, thoroughly investigating allegations of abuse, and providing educational resources on abuse prevention across various athletic disciplines.

The organization’s comprehensive framework mandates compliance audits and policy enforcement across National Governing Bodies (NGBs) in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. Their efforts aim to reinforce a culture of safety, ensuring that all athletes can compete without fear of harm.

As emphasized by the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, the Center’s autonomy and authority have been solidified, allowing it to further develop effective policies and training designed to combat misconduct in sports.

The conclusion of the symposia marks not just an end but signifies a new chapter in the ongoing commitment to athlete safety and well-being as the sports community looks forward to the LA28 Games and beyond.