Global Athlete Statement

15 June 2023: Yesterday in Canada, June 14, the Standing Committee on the Status of Women published a report, Time to Listen to Survivors: Taking Action Towards Creating a Safe Sport Environment for All Athletes in Canada, which recommended the “Government of Canada establish an independent national public inquiry into maltreatment in sports in Canada”.

Global Athlete and Gymnasts for Change Canada welcomes the recommendation from the Canadian Status of Women Report calling for a National Inquiry and would like to thank the Committee led by its Chair Karen Vecchio for their work and for supporting survivors and giving them a voice.

“Today we celebrate the tireless work of brave survivors, athlete advocates, allies and scholars who have come forward to share their lived experience with the goal of overhauling Canada’s safe sport system to protect every child, youth and elite athlete in Canada,” said Kim Shore, Amelia Cline and Ryan Sheehan, co-founders of Gymnasts for Change Canada. 

“This report clearly outlines that Canadian sport needs to be reformed. It is now time for the Minister of Sport and the Prime Minister of Canada to trigger an inquiry,” said Rob Koehler, Director General Global Athlete.

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