On 26 June 2025, the Polish Olympic Committee successfully held the first national Educational Module for Child Safeguarding Officers (CSOs) within the framework of the GUARD project, a European initiative aimed at strengthening child protection systems in sport. The training took place at the Olympic Centre in Warsaw and gathered key stakeholders dedicated to promoting a safe sports environment for young athletes.
The event brought together appointed Child Protection Officers from various Sports Associations, representatives of the Polish Olympic Committee, and members of the Youth Sports Commission — all playing vital roles in fostering a culture of safeguarding in Polish sport.
The educational content was delivered by recognized experts:
- Dr. Jakub Kossowski, a legal counsel specializing in sports law and child protection, presented the first two topics.
- Luiza Złotkowska, Olympian and CSO at the Polish Olympic Committee, led the final session.
Participants explored three core topics:
- Introduction to Child Protection in Sports
- National Legal and Regulatory Framework for Child Protection
- Roles and Responsibilities of Child Protection Officers
The interactive training also featured group exercises based on real-life scenarios, encouraging participants to analyze and discuss potential safeguarding challenges they may face in their professional roles.
This initiative is part of the GUARD project’s broader mission to enhance professionalism in child safeguarding and ensure a safe and supportive environment for young athletes across Europe.
