GRASS Project showcased at the ANOC General Assembly in Cascais

The GRASS project was showcased during the ANOC General Assembly in Cascais, as part of one of three thematic sessions that marked the final day of work.

José Manuel Araújo, Secretary-General of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Portugal, was one of the invited speakers for the session, during which he showcased, among other initiatives, the GRASS project.

“It’s a matter of human rights; it must be a priority for all NOCs,” stated the Secretary-General, as he began his presentation on the projects Portugal is involved in within this area. He emphasized that integrity has been a priority for the NOC since 2013, through the “Pelo Respeito” project, which conducts sessions, seminars, and training actions with young athletes. Araújo also presented the “Safe Harbour” project—a European initiative in which Portugal participates and which is just beginning, aiming to address sport protection across European countries comprehensively.

With the protection of sport being a priority for all NOCs, there is a shared concern about strategies, responsibilities, and available resources. Prince Feisal Al Hussein, IOC Member and President of the Jordan Olympic Committee, was the keynote speaker of the panel and began by emphasizing the importance of this critical topic, noting that the time to act is now. He highlighted that the goal of the programs developed and being developed by international governing bodies in sport is to ensure athletes fully experience the benefits of sport, free from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Considering trust as a critical factor in sport, he underscored the need for a coordinated approach among various partners, with local lessons being relevant to influence global decisions on sport protection.

Damaris Young, IOC member and Director-General of the Panamanian Olympic Committee, presented the “Deporte Seguro” project developed in Panama. This initiative, supported by national political authorities, has been impactful in raising awareness of the issue, aiming to minimize cases. Young also called on each NOC to have a strategic plan that incorporates strategies for the protection of sport and athletes.

To conclude, Donald Rukare, President of the Ugandan Olympic Committee, outlined the activities included in his organization’s Strategic Plan, which involves the development of a sport protection policy, training actions, and a Code of Conduct to increase awareness on the subject.

The panel was moderated by Kirsty Burrows, Director of the IOC’s Sport Protection Unit.