OTTAWA—Own the Podium has continued its commitment to ensuring a safe and welcoming sport environment for all in Canada’s sport community by signing an agreement to join Abuse-Free Sport, the new independent program to prevent and address maltreatment in sport.

Own the Podium, and its stakeholders including staff members, Directors, contractors and volunteers, will have access to the services of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), which serves as the central hub of Abuse-Free Sport as of April 1, 2023.

“Own the Podium believes that everyone, regardless of the role they play in Canada’s sport community, have the right to enjoy a safe, inclusive, welcoming and supportive sport environment to enjoy the pursuit of their performance goals or while recreating for fun and fitness,” said Anne Merklinger, chief executive officer, Own the Podium. “We all have an important role to play in creating a positive sport experience. Signing onto the Abuse-Free Sport program is another step forward in our shared goal to ensure a culture of trust and respect exists within Own the Podium, and across Canada’s sport system.

There is more information about the Abuse-Free Sport program HERE, or on the OSIC HERE.

About Own the Podium

Own the Podium, a not-for-profit organization, prioritizes and determines investment strategies to national sport organizations in an effort to deliver more Olympic and Paralympic medals for Canada. Own the Podium’s largest contributor of funding is the Government of Canada with additional funding provided by the Canadian Olympic Committee/Canadian Olympic Foundation, the Canadian Paralympic Committee/Paralympic Foundation of Canada, along with the corporate community. For a full summary of Own the Podium initiatives and programs, including a breakdown of support and services by sport, please visit us at www.ownthepodium.org on the Internet.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Chris Dornan                               

Own the Podium                        

T: 403-620-8731

E-mail: chris.dornan@ownthepodium.org