Representatives from several of Dominica’s national sporting associations are now better equipped to respond to child protection issues following the successful completion of a Child Safeguarding Officers Workshop over the weekend.
The workshop, organized by the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC), brought together representatives from the majority of the island’s sporting associations and focused on strengthening safeguarding measures for children involved in sport.
The training was facilitated by Jemma Azille, former Child Abuse Prevention Coordinator, who emphasized the importance of creating safe sporting environments for young athletes.
Azille said safeguarding officers have a critical role to play in identifying, preventing and responding to cases of abuse, while ensuring that children participating in sports are protected.
She also described the issue of coaches and team officials engaging in sexual relationships with athletes as a matter of serious concern, stressing that sporting organizations must remain vigilant in protecting children from sexual predators.
The workshop forms part of the Dominica Olympic Committee’s ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection policies and promote safe, inclusive sporting environments across the country.
