On 27 February 2026 the Hellenic Olympic Committee successfully delivered the third educational module of the EU-funded project Safeguarding children in sport – GUARD, marking the completion of the pilot education phase for the first generation of Child Safeguarding Officers (CSOs) from 20 National Sport Federations. The module, delivered by Mrs. Fotini Karamanlaki, Head of the HOC’s Ethics Commissionand appointed CSO of the HOC within the project, focused on strengthening the institutional safeguarding frameworks of the participating organisations. It also introduced tools and procedures designed to support the Sport Federations in developing their own safeguarding policy and in establishing mechanisms for receiving and managing relevant reports.
The module covered:
- Safeguarding Policies & Procedures
- Report & Response mechanisms procedures
- Establishing partnerships
Each unit included a slide presentation featuring relevant training material, followed by scenario‑based exercises. Constructive dialogue and an exchange of views took place after every unit, with participants also sharing personal experiences.
The pilot education phase concluded with all participants pledging to support the creation of a safe sporting environment for all athletes under the age of 18.
