COC joining Abuse-Free Sport by December 21, 2022

TORONTO (September 22, 2022) – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement to join Abuse-Free Sport, the new independent program to prevent and address maltreatment in sport.

The COC, and its stakeholders, will have access to the services of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), which serves as the central hub of Abuse-Free Sport, following a transition period which will end no later than December 21, 2022.

“The COC recognizes that safe sport is everyone’s responsibility. We’re fully committed to doing our part to support a growing national movement that is changing the culture of sport in this country. As part of that commitment, we’re pleased to sign on to Abuse-Free Sport and to soon have the OSIC to administer our safe sport complaints,” David Shoemaker, CEO and Secretary General of the Canadian Olympic Committee, said. “The sport community has been asking for just this kind of consistent national program. It is an important step forward for everyone involved in sport in Canada.” 

During the transition period, the COC is completing full adoption of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS), which it must do before it can become part of the Abuse-Free Sport program, and making the required policy changes.

Prior to December 21 2022, COC participants who have experienced or witnessed abuse will continue to have access to independent third-party services through the COC’s Independent Case Manager, Rubin Thomlinson LLP by contacting COC@RubinThomlinson.com. 

There is more information about the Abuse-Free Sport program HERE, on the OSIC HERE, and on the COC HERE.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Peter​ Saltsman
Senior Manager, Public Relations
C: 647-382-6986
E: psaltsman@olympic.ca

Thomas Hall
Director, Communications and Public Relations
C: 514-709-1054
E: thall@olympic.ca