Team Up Launches Safeguarding Plan to Protect Pacific Athletes

The launch of the Team Up safeguarding toolkit represents a significant stride in protecting athletes across the Pacific region. Developed under the auspices of the Australian Government's Team Up program, this initiative directly addresses the critical need for robust measures against abuse, harm, and neglect within the context of major sporting events.

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The toolkit helps sporting organisations identify safeguarding risks before events and put measures in place to reduce them.

Roshika Deo, Team Up's Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion and Safeguarding Advisor, highlighted the toolkit's practical utility. It empowers sporting organizations to proactively identify potential safeguarding risks before events commence and to implement effective mitigation strategies. Crucially, it also provides clear guidance on reporting mechanisms and case management protocols for when incidents do occur during competitions. This comprehensive approach ensures that athlete welfare remains paramount.

The development process itself underscores a collaborative and inclusive spirit. The toolkit is the product of several years of work, involving safeguarding champions from across the Pacific. Its efficacy has been further validated through testing with over 80 representatives from 11 Pacific Island nations. This grassroots involvement ensures the toolkit is culturally relevant and practical for the diverse contexts within the region.

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She said it also provides guidance on reporting pathways and case management when safeguarding incidents occur during competitions.

Team Up's broader mission, which utilizes sport as a vehicle to tackle issues such as gender equality, discrimination against people with disabilities, and violence against women and girls, is significantly bolstered by this new resource. The commitment to promoting the toolkit through National Olympic Committees, regional sporting bodies, and major events like the Pacific Games in Tahiti demonstrates a strategic effort to embed safeguarding practices deeply within the fabric of Pacific sports. This initiative not only protects athletes but also fosters a more equitable and secure sporting environment for all.

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The Pacific Games Council also have access to the toolkit, and they will also be using it to socialise it for the Pacific Games in Tahiti and also for future games.