The Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee (NOC Slovakia) is pleased to be a partner in the new Erasmus+ Project named “Strengthening Response Mechanism for Safeguarding in European Sports” (SAFE HARBOUR), which is coordinated by the European Olympic Committees EU Office (EOC EU Office). This initiative is dedicated to enhancing safeguarding mechanisms across European sport, creating safer environments for all. 

About NOC Slovakia and its work on safeguarding in sports to date 

NOC Slovakia is the umbrella sports organisation in Slovakia.  In addition to supporting athletes, federations, and sports development, NOC Slovakia prioritises safeguarding by creating a safer environment for all participants in sports. 

Project "Šport v Bezpečí" (Sport in Safety) 

The "Šport v Bezpečí" initiative is NOC Slovakia’s flagship project focused on safeguarding athletes, coaches, and officials from harassment, abuse, and discrimination. This project aligns with international standards to ensure safe and respectful conditions in Slovak sports. 

Key Safeguarding Measures: 

Safeguarding Officer at International Olympic Events 

• Appointing officers at international Olympic events to protect Slovak athletes and provide immediate support if needed. 

Ombudsman for Sports 

• An independent ombudsman offers athletes and stakeholders a confidential channel to report safeguarding concerns and receive assistance. 

Anonymous Reporting System 

• A secure and anonymous reporting mechanism is in place for athletes, coaches, and staff to report misconduct, ensuring proper investigation and response. 

Education and Awareness Campaign 

• To launch "Šport v Bezpečí", NOC Slovakia is rolled out an awareness raising campaign, providing on this topic in Slovakia. 

The role of NOC Slovakia within the SAFE HARBOUR project 

Within the SAFE HARBOUR project, NOC Slovakia will play a critical role in tailoring the European Response framework to its national context. Responsibilities include drafting a National Strategy to guide safeguarding actions, delivering mandatory training for the leadership and National Federations, and hosting a National Multiplier Event to raise awareness among stakeholders. Additionally, NOC Slovakia will engage in peer-to-peer roundtables, contribute to thematic seminars, and disseminate the project results through various channels. By actively participating in all project activities, NOC Slovakia will help ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of safeguarding measures. 

Background information on the SAFE HARBOUR project  

The SAFE HARBOUR project, short for “Strengthening Response Mechanisms for Safeguarding in European Sport”, is a 30-month project co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Sport Programme 2024. Coordinated by the EOC EU Office, the consortium includes Thomas More and Asser Institute as experts on safeguarding, human rights and law, 2 International Federations (International Biathlon Union and International Ice Hockey Federations), and 20 National Olympic Committees (Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia). Additionally, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is involved as an outside resource.   

The project seeks to strengthen the capacity of European NOCs and Federations to address safeguarding concerns by identifying gaps, developing a European Response framework, and fostering collaboration. This framework will be adapted to national contexts, complemented by training and awareness initiatives to enhance safeguarding measures at both national and European levels. Therefore, SAFE HARBOUR aims to equip partner NOCs and Federations with the tools and confidence to implement effective safeguarding measures while establishing a robust support network for Safeguarding Officers and laying the groundwork for a future IOC Regional Safeguarding Hub.