In July 2023 Oceania Taekwondo Union nominated Mr Denzil Ray to World Taekwondo (WT) to undergo the IOC Certificate: Safeguarding Officer in Sport. WT accepted the nomination for Denzil to complete this IOC program. This is a first of its kind, international safeguarding officer certificate program aimed at those who have been appointed as safeguarding officers, serve as the focal point for safeguarding issues, or work in the field of sport integrity for national or international sports organisations, particularly National Olympic Committees (NOCs), International Federations (IFs) and National Federations (NFs).
On the successful completion of this training program Denzil has been appointed by the Oceania Taekwondo Union Management Committee as its Safeguarding Officer.
Over the course of 7 learning modules, this program will introduce participants to their role in the prevention of and response to interpersonal violence in sport including significant contributions to the prioritisation of athlete well-being and safeguarding both within their organisation and at major sporting events.
The program will address what constitutes interpersonal violence in sport, how and why it occurs, and its
impact on athletes, their families and others in the athlete’s entourage and management. It will cover information about the policies, procedures, systems and structures which need to be put in place to bestrespond to reported concerns about athlete safeguarding and protection following an athlete-centred approach, and how these fit with the roles and responsibilities of statutory agencies.
Unique considerations relating to groups who are made more vulnerable to harassment and abuse in sport will be addressed throughout the course along with the intersection of safe sport with other integrity issues.
The course is designed to complement existing policies, research, educational tools and training materials produced and supported by the IOC, with specific reference to the IOC consensus statements on Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport (2006) and on Harassment and Abuse in Sport (2017) and looks to empower participants to become educators and supporters of athletes and other athlete support personnel on safeguarding matters.