The Importance of Safe Sport by MP Karen Vecchio
Through this study, we included recommendations to help eradicate abuse in sport that included a public registry of coaches and improvement to education and training for athletes, coaches and parents. Nationally, sports abuse and maltreatment can be reported to the office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner. This complaint mechanism is available to national-level athletes but not those taking part in local or provincial clubs. Provincially, it is up to the organizations to create a proper complaint process. Although the study has concluded, my interest and desire to ensure that sports are safe for participants continues. My role as a parliamentarian has provided an outlet for athletes to continue to share their concerns as they wait for resolution on their own complaints from provincial and local sporting organizations. The 24 recommendations made by the Status of Women committee to address safe sport were specific to national sporting organizations, recognizing the need to collaborate with provinces, territories and sporting organizations. Almost two years following the study, I have begun to see changes in some of the federal organizations, including the separation between the complaint management process, national sporting organizations and a discussion on the use of non- disclosure agreements. But realistically, how does this study impact local sports in our own communities? The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner is not available to athletes who are not part of a national sports team. Organizations, including Hockey Canada and Gymnastics Canada, receive fees from local and municipal associations with little return of service. Training manuals and services are available at a fee for service to local
In July 2022, Canadians became aware of allegations of sexual assault made against members of the 2018 Canadian Men’s Junior Hockey Team. It was reported that a lawsuit for $3.55 million was filed against eight former players and that Hockey Canada settled the case out of court. Following parliamentary hearings that began in June, focusing on the national sport organization and sexual assault cases, the Canadian Press reported that Hockey Canada was using a fund called the National Equity Fund to settle sexual misconduct cases. Sports in Canada, at all levels, were placed under the microscope. This toxic situation opened an opportunity for athletes to speak up and share their own experiences in sport. As the Chair of the Status of Women committee, I led an important study allowing athletes from various sports including gymnastics, skiing, and soccer to bring forward their stories and share reports of maltreatment at all levels of sport. Witnesses appearing at committee shared their firsthand experiences including psychological, physical, sexual harm and neglect. The witnesses spoke of abusive coaching and extraordinary pressures to perform. During this study, I hosted a viewing of CTV’s W5 documentary ‘Broken- The Toxic Culture of Canadian Gymnastics’. Gymnasts for Change and Global Athlete worked to bring forward the voices of hundreds of gymnasts who shared their stories of inappropriate touching, fat-shaming and physical injuries. Amelia Cline, a former national gymnast, shared her story of ‘over-stretching’ to the extent that her coach, “Forcibly yanked my leg back behind my ear… snapped my hamstring and took part of my pelvis with it.”
HIGHLAND PHARMACY FREE DELIVERY in Dutton/Dunwich
Your local pharmacy®
Switch and Save vs. leading
national brands
20% of for Seniors 55+ every Wednesday!
Disability insurance • Employee benefits • Estate and Financial Planning BUSINESS MEETINGS BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS FAMILY FUNCTIONS WEDDING RECEPTIONS TWO GREAT HALLS WAITING FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT! · large or small - 10 to 250 people - we can accomodate your needs · with the ability to host a variety of functions, we’ll make your event one to remember · event rooms that can be configured with endless possibilities BUSINESS MEETINGS BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS FAMILY FUNCTIONS WEDDING RECEPTIONS Michael L. Moore* Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-7747 michael.moore@sunlife.com Malahide Community Place & South Dorchester Community Hall TWO GREAT HALLS WAITING FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT! · large or small - 10 to 250 people - we can accomodate your needs · with the ability to host a variety of functions, we’ll make your event one to remember · event rooms that can be configured with endless possibilities Chris Cox, Community Services Coordinator 519-765-4755 · chriscox@malahide.ca BUSINESS MEETINGS BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS FAMILY FUNCTIONS WEDDING RECEPTIONS Call or email us today to discuss how we can help you! · large or small - 10 to 250 people - we can accomodate your needs · with the ability to host a variety of functions, we’ll make your event one to remember · event rooms that can be configured with endless possibilities 519-762-3218 • 172 Currie Rd., Dutton Open 9-5 Monday-Friday. 9-2 Saturday. Closed Sunday. Malahide Community Place & South Dorchester Community Hall TWO GREAT HALLS WAITING FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT! Plan for your future farm needs. Map out a route that protects you and your business. Let’s talk about your options. Call or email us today to discuss how we can help you! rentals@malahide.ca 519-773-5344 Ext 232
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023.
Page 10 Real Living • Winter 2025 Call or email us today to discuss how we can help you!
Chris Cox, Community Services Coordinator 519-765-4755 · chriscox@malahide.ca
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs