Athletics Respects Your Rights!
The education will be carried out through a series of six events, one in each of the partnering countries, in the period January– December 2024. Along with the Safeguarding specific topics, there will be a focus on raising the capacity of the sport organisations, fostering trans-national cooperation trough joint initiatives, promotion of common values, non-discrimination and gender equality through sport. Each of the six events will last for 3 days and will include educational seminars on Safeguarding for the Safeguarding Officers and interactive workshops for the athletics communities in the hosting countries, where representatives of the national Paralympic association and relevant national stakeholders will also be present.
The Sixth and last event took place in Vienna, Austria, 21-23 June 2024
"Athletics Respects Your Rights" Project Concludes In-Person Meetings with Key Discussions in Vienna
The final in-person meeting of the “Athletics Respects Your Rights” Erasmus+ Project took place in Vienna, Austria, hosted by the Austrian Athletic Federation. Coordinated by the Bulgarian Athletic Federation, and joined by the Partners from Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Poland, the event marked an important milestone in the project’s timeline. The President and the CEO of the hosting federation were also present an involved in the project’s mission and activities. The agenda focused on critical topics including Types of Safeguarding Cases, Key elements in drafting a safeguarding policy, and a collaborative discussion on the structure and content of the future digital multilingual Safeguarding module tailored for the athletics community. Partners shared their experiences and insights, ensuring the final output would be both practical and relevant across different national contexts. This meeting also served as the project’s concluding live gathering, as the next phase shifts to an online format. Upcoming virtual sessions will concentrate on the development of a the module- a major outcome of the project aimed at educating and empowering athletics stakeholders across Europe. Participants left Vienna with a sense of accomplishment and strong commitment to the next phase, carrying forward the momentum built through months of collaboration and shared learning.
The Fifth event was staged in Tirana, Albania, 10-12 May 2024
"Athletics Respects Your Rights" Project Explores Safeguarding for All Ages in Tirana
The “Athletics Respects Your Rights” Erasmus+ Project continued with a meaningful and well-attended meeting in Tirana, Albania, hosted by the Albanian Athletic Federation. Project partners from Bulgaria, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, and Poland joined to delve into the crucial topic of Safeguarding for Adults and Children in Sport. The President and the CEO of the hosting federation were also present an involved in the project’s mission and activities. The sessions focused on understanding the similarities and key differences between safeguarding approaches for minors and adults, exploring both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. Discussions included tailored strategies, responsibilities, and challenges in implementing safeguarding measures that are effective across age groups. The meeting also included group work and exchanges of national practices, which sparked insightful dialogue and highlighted the need for flexible, inclusive safeguarding systems within athletics communities. Participants once again praised the practical relevance of the content and the open, constructive atmosphere. With strong momentum behind the project, all eyes are now on the next meeting in Vienna, Austria.
The Fourth event took place in Sarajevo, Bosna & Herzegovina, 26-28 April 2024
"Athletics Respects Your Rights" Project Continues in Sarajevo with Focus on Safeguarding Alerts
The “Athletics Respects Your Rights” Erasmus+ Project held its next important meeting in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, hosted by the national athletic federation. As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthening safeguarding in athletics, the gathering brought together project partners from Bulgaria, Kosovo, Albania, Austria, and Poland. The President and the CEO of the hosting federation were also present an involved in the project’s mission and activities. This event focused —how to recognize them, respond effectively, and implement appropriate procedures. Through detailed discussions and case-based learning, participants examined best practices for handling potential safeguarding concerns within athletic environments.
An interactive role-play session with members of the local athletics community added a valuable practical element. These real-life scenarios sparked meaningful discussions around the specific safeguarding challenges faced in Bosnia and Herzegovina and encouraged open dialogue on how to improve systems both locally and internationally. The meeting was received with great enthusiasm, and all participants expressed appreciation for the depth and relevance of the topics covered. The group now looks ahead with anticipation to the next event in Tirana, Albania.
The Third event was staged in Warsaw, Poland 5-7 April 2024,
"Athletics Respects Your Rights" Project Explores Mediation in Safeguarding at Warsaw Meeting
The “Athletics Respects Your Rights” Erasmus+ Project held a productive and insightful meeting in Warsaw, Poland, hosted by the Polish Athletic Federation. Coordinated by the Bulgarian Athletic Federation, the project brings together partner federations from Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, and Poland to promote Safeguarding and Human Rights in athletics. The President and the CEO of the hosting federation were also present an involved in the project’s mission and activities. A key focus of the meeting was the topic of Mediation in Safeguarding, presented by the two BSDA certified legal co-mediators. Through engaging presentations and discussions, participants explored how mediation can serve as an effective and ethical method for resolving conflicts in sport environments. The meeting also featured interactive workshops with local participants, where safeguarding scenarios were acted out and mediation techniques were applied in real time. These sessions were praised for being practical, thought-provoking, and engaging, offering valuable insights for all involved.
Partners left Warsaw inspired and energized, already looking forward to the next meeting in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
