TORONTO (April 18, 2024) – On Thursday, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) proudly announced that the organization will join the Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR) as an Engaged Organization, effective April 18.

CSHR is a global human rights organization that works towards a world of sport that fully respects human rights by sharing knowledge, building capacity, and strengthening the accountability of all actors in the sport ecosystem through collective action. 

“We are honoured to be the first National Olympic Committee to join the Centre for Sport and Human Rights and its integral mission to advance human rights in the sport ecosystem” said David Shoemaker, COC Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General. “As we continue our work to make sport safe, inclusive and barrier-free, joining the CSHR will give our organization the ability to gain international perspective in our work, while contributing to the advancement of human rights in sport globally.”

CSHR lives its mission in accordance with the Sporting Chance Principles by:

• enabling Prevention of human rights violations linked to sport;
• ensuring Remedy that is effective, accessible and available for those who experience human rights abuses; and
• harnessing Opportunities to promote human rights in sport that contribute to positive impacts and benefits for all.

Becoming an Engaged Organization grants the COC access to a network of global stakeholders in sport dedicated to the advancement of human rights. In particular, the biennial Sporting Chance Forum represents an important platform for the COC to engage and collaborate with like minded organizations.

“We are delighted to have the Canadian Olympic Committee join us as an Engaged Organisation. The COC is fully aligned with the mission of the Centre to advance a world of sport that respects and promotes human rights,” said Mary Harvey, CEO of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights. “We look forward to helping them implement and demonstrate the practical application of the Sporting Chance Principles and participating in the collaborative work of the Centre.”

For more information on the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, click HERE.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Peter​ Saltsman
Senior Manager, Public Relations
C: 647-382-6986
E: psaltsman@olympic.ca

Thomas Hall
Director, Communications and Public Relations
C: 514-709-1054
E: thall@olympic.ca