European Aquatics will bring together safeguarding experts, athletes, governing bodies and welfare advocates in Dublin today for the Athlete Welfare in Sport Conference, “Protecting our Athletes,” as part of its Aquatics Social Responsibility initiative. Sport for Business will be there.
Hosted by Swim Ireland at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport, the conference will focus on strengthening safeguarding standards and athlete protection across aquatic sports and the wider sporting landscape.
In his introduction to the event bulletin, Antonio Silva described safeguarding and athlete welfare as “fundamental priorities” for European Aquatics, stressing the importance of ensuring athletes can train and compete in safe, respectful and supportive environments.
He said the conference would provide a platform for national federations, safeguarding experts, athletes and institutional partners to exchange experiences and reinforce a collective commitment to athlete protection.
Interim CEO of Swim Ireland, Mary McMorrow, said Ireland was honoured to host an event bringing together leaders and practitioners committed to ensuring sport remains a safe and positive environment for all athletes.
The programme features a broad range of sessions examining safeguarding challenges and best practice. Topics will include recognising and reporting concerns, improving investigative processes, creating safe spaces at events, supporting safeguarding officers and ensuring athletes’ rights and voices remain central to decision-making.
Among the featured speakers will be Paola Ottonello, who will provide a European perspective on safeguarding and athlete protection, and Adam Pennock, whose session will examine the distinction between complaints and concerns in athlete protection investigations.
Mhairi MacLennan will address how investigations can be made safer for athletes from a victim-centred perspective, while Kate Hills will explore the role of safeguarding leads within sporting federations.
Additional contributions will come from representatives of the European Olympic Committees Safe Harbour Project, the Sport Integrity Global Alliance and the European Aquatics Athlete Committee, reflecting a growing international focus on welfare, integrity and child protection in sport.
Electric Ireland, Connacht Rugby, the GAA, Irish Rugby and Mondello Park are all members of Sport for Business.
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