Boys from Valleys Gymnastics Club, girls from Capital Gymnastics Club, girls trio from West Street Gymnastics club , Chief Executive Rhian Gibson from Welsh Gymnastics was presented her certificate by Olympic gymnast
Safeguarding and equality in Welsh sport made huge strides forward last night as top Welsh sporting organisations were applauded for their commitment to keeping children safe and promoting equality in sport in Wales.
Last night, in a joint celebration held by the NSPCC and Sport Wales at The Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay, several top sporting bodies were commended for achieving the intermediate and highest NSPCC’s safeguarding in sports standards along with Sport Wales’ equality standards.
The successful sports recognised for their commitment to safeguarding and protecting children are; Welsh Yachting Association, Hockey Wales, Swim Wales, Welsh Judo Association, Welsh Athletics, Football Association Wales, Golf Union Wales, Wales Squash and Racketball, Welsh Gymnastics, Badminton Wales, Welsh Netball, Tennis Wales, Canoe Wales and Wales Rugby League.
Internationally acclaimed rhythmic gymnast Frankie Jones performed at the event and told us why she felt it was important to help celebrate these achievements: “There are so many youngsters coming through sport in Wales, especially in gymnastics and its organisations like the NSPCC who makes sure we’re safe and protected. Welsh Gymnastics has done so well to get to levels two and three of the standards, proving to me that they really take safeguarding for their upcoming talent seriously.”
Head of the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit Anne Tiivas said:
“The successful sports have, over the last few years been working towards achieving standards within the national child protection framework. The framework provides practical support for sporting organisations and groups throughout Wales to help raise child protection standards within their sport.
“The CPSU recognises and commends all these sports for the substantial amount of time and effort that has been put in to complete the Safeguarding Standards and to ensure children involved in sport in Wales have a safer and more enjoyable experience.”
Adele Baumgardt from Sport Wales said:
“At Sport Wales, it’s paramount that we do everything possible to make sure that children are safe when they take part in sport. This is why it is essential that we support our governing bodies to achieve these standards. In addition, we are committed to promoting equality.
“This is something we have been working on in our own organisation and our own board. Our aspiration is to ensure all Welsh sporting bodies embrace these standards. Only when we have a truly diverse representation on our boards and among our staff can we fully meet the demands of those taking part in sport.
“Congratulations to all our partners who have done so well getting this far.”
Minister for Culture and Sport John Griffiths AM said: “The safeguarding of children is a key priority for the Welsh Government, not just in sport but in all aspects of life. Congratulations to the National Governing bodies of Sport who have achieved level three of the framework for safeguarding and protecting children in and through sport.
“I’d also like to congratulate those sporting bodies who have achieved Sport Wales Equality Standards, they are leading the way to ensure fair representation for all across the board.”
