SLGU signs ‘Safe Sport’ MoU with NOC SL

SLGU President Michael Magala hands over the ‘Safe Sport’ MoU to NOC SL Women’s Committee Chairperson Niloo Jayatilake. Also in the picture are NOC SL Women’s Committee Member Fazil Hussain, NOC SL President Suresh Subramaniam and NOC Junior Development Committee Chairman Shirantha Peiris

The Sri Lanka Golf Union (SLGU) became the first Lankan national sports federation to adopt the ‘Safe Sport’ policy formulated by the National Olympic Committee’s (NOC) Women’s arm to create awareness on ‘Make Sports a Safe Zone’ in Sri Lanka.

Associated with the signing of the MoU were, SLGU President Michael Magala, NOC SL President Suresh Subramaniam, NOC Women’s Committee Chairperson Niloo Jayatilake, NOC Junior Development Committee Chairman Shirantha Peiris and NOC SL Women’s Committee Member Fazil Hussain.

Commenting on the occasion, SLGU President Magala said: “Basically, this comes with gender equality and to provide a safe environment for all sportsmen and women in the country. This is equally important to all stake holders, not only players, but for the coach or any other official related to the sport and related to the structure of the organisation. Going forward, we would have a safe environment for everyone.” NOC SL President Suresh Subramaniam said that it was very important to be a part of the Safe Sport program that comes under the auspices of the NOC SL’s Prevention of Sexual Harassment program. He said that Safe Sport is very important to make sure that sports people of all ages are safe in sport not only from sexual harassment, but on many other matters as well. He also went on to say he was very grateful for the SLGU for being the first sport in Sri Lanka to recognise and joining the Olympic committee in supporting and taking it forward.

Speaking on behalf of the NOC Women’s Committee Fazil Hussain said: “Considering the present IOC protocols, it is great to note that the Golf Union has signed up to adhere to the safe sport practices and gender equality in sports as mentioned. 

In the future, unless these protocols are met by associations and federations there would be limitations to participation. So, this is a great move as far as the NOC is concerned and the Golf Union. We hope to continue to bring on board all the other Olympic sports associations under this new protocol.”