In today's society, the landscape of sports has significantly changed, with sports gaining ground as an important social and economic contributor. However, along with this growth, the risks in sports have also increased, highlighting the need for prioritizing safeguarding measures to ensure a safe environment for all participants [76216a4b].
Safe sports involve ensuring that the way sports are offered does not expose those involved to harassment, abuse, harm, maltreatment, and violence. Recognizing the importance of safeguarding in sports, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) has activated a safeguarding program in Kenya. As part of this program, safeguarding officers in sports have been appointed and trained to protect athletes and promote their welfare [76216a4b].
In line with international standards, all multisport events since Tokyo 2020 require each country delegation to have a policy and a safeguarding officer. To meet this requirement, NOC-K has brought together all member federations in a training session on the essentials of safeguarding athletes. The goal is to develop a comprehensive Kenyan policy that addresses the unique challenges and needs of athletes in the country [76216a4b].
The Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to protect the integrity of sports and promote the welfare of athletes. This collaborative effort is crucial in creating a safe and supportive environment that allows athletes to thrive and excel in their respective sports [76216a4b].
Overall, the focus on safeguarding in sports is essential to ensure the well-being and protection of athletes. By implementing policies, training safeguarding officers, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Kenya aims to prioritize safe sports and create an environment where everyone has the right to enjoy sports without fear of harassment, abuse, or harm [76216a4b].