The Maltese Olympic Committee (MOC) is playing an active role in the Erasmus+ SAFE HARBOUR project, a groundbreaking initiative that began on 1 January 2025 to improve safeguarding in European sport.
Running until June 2027, the project brings together 27 partners, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), two International Federations, 20 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and leading experts such as Thomas More University and the Asser Institute.
This EU-backed project aims to provide sports organisations with effective strategies, training programmes, and a unified framework to tackle harassment and abuse in sport.
The SAFE HARBOUR project was officially launched earlier this year in Brussels with a Kick-off Meeting coordinated by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) EU Office and co-funded by Erasmus+.
Representing the Maltese Olympic Committee at the event were Charlene Attard, Director of Sport, and Eleanor Bezzina, Chair of the Athletes’ Commission. Their participation highlights Malta’s commitment to protecting athletes and ensuring a safer sporting environment.
During the two-day event, participants took part in expert-led presentations, panel discussions, and workshops to kick off the project’s first phase. The agenda included a thorough review of the current safeguarding landscape, strategies at European and global levels, and key concerns, with input from a European Commission representative. Further discussions focused on best practices, stakeholder mapping, and refining project deliverables.
The SAFE HARBOUR project is an important step towards creating a unified European safeguarding framework, ensuring that sports organisations across Europe are better equipped to prevent and respond to safeguarding issues. Through its involvement, the Maltese Olympic Committee aims to promote positive change in athlete protection and contribute to a safer, more inclusive sports culture.
For more information and updates, please visit the SAFE HARBOUR website: https://www.euoffice.eurolympic.org/safe-harbour/
