Safe Sport

Two men smiling at the camera and giving thumbs up.

Safe Sport is a collective responsibility to create, foster, and preserve sport environments that ensure positive, healthy, and enriching experiences for all individuals, without the fear of bullying, harassment, or abuse. Special Olympics Canada is committed to protecting the safety and health of all participants, so that our programs are always a fun and positive place to be.

Man in black sport official shirt on a racetrack

Special Olympics Canada Safe Sport Framework

Special Olympics Canada’s Safe Sport framework focuses on three key elements: Awareness, Prevention, and Action - all of which are supported by governance, policies, procedures, and best practices. The objective of this framework is to ensure all individuals have access to the resources and support services they need to safely work, compete, train, and volunteer in Special Olympics programming.

A Safe Sport Environment:

Is safe, accessible, and inclusive
Provides quality programs, services, and training
Promotes strength, resilience, and self-confidence
Allows for growth and development
Ensures respect for all individuals
Encourages fair and meaningful competition
Follows open and observable interactions
Is positive and fun!

Learn more about Special Olympics Canada’s Safe Sport framework

Awareness

Safe Sport means that every athlete, coach, volunteer, official, and administrator is safe, supported, and strengthened through Special Olympics programming.
Prevention

The Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) is a call to action for sport organizations, parents/guardians, and coaches to enact responsible coaching across Canada – on and off the field.
Action

Everybody plays a role in creating a safe and inclusive sporting environment, free from all forms of maltreatment.

Special Olympics Canada also commits to the True Sport Principles.

True Sport exists to help create the right conditions for individuals to experience good sport, to value it, commit to it, nurture it, and stay connected to it all their lives!

Go For It:

Rise to the challenge – always strive for excellence. Be persistent and discover how good you can be.

Play Fair:

Understand, respect, and follow the rules. Play with integrity – competition is only meaningful when it is fair.

Respect Others:

Show respect for everyone involved in creating your sporting experience, both on and off the field of play. Win with dignity and lose with grace.

Keep It Fun:

Find the joy in sport and share it with others. Remember what you love about sport and why you play.

Stay Healthy:

Always respect and care for your mind and body. Advocate for the health and safety of yourself and those around you.

Include Everyone:

Recognize and celebrate strength in diversity. Invite and welcome others into sport.

Give Back:

Say thanks and show gratitude. Encourage your sport group to make a difference in the community.