Lahore, Pakistan, July 16, 2023: The Pakistan Olympic Association has called for applications for the IOC Certificate Safeguarding Officer in Sport course which commences on September 1, 2023.
In a letter dated July 12 and addressed to Secretary Generals and Directors of affiliated units of the Pakistan Olympic Association, Muhammad Khalid Mahmood, POA Secretary General, called for applicants to follow an online seven-month course held by the International Olympic Committee.
“This is a first-of-its-kind international safeguarding officer certificate programme. Olympic Solidarity is offering one scholarship per National Olympic Committee, enabling all NOCs to have at least one person receiving in-depth training in this important area,” wrote POA Secretary General Mahmood.
“The course is conducted in English and aimed at those who have been appointed or will be appointed as safeguarding officers; serve as the focal point for safeguarding issues; or work in the field of sport integrity for national or international sports organisations, particularly NOCs, International Federations and National Federations,” Mahmood said.
The online course will comprise seven learning modules and be held from September 1, 2023 to April 2024. Participants will be introduced to their crucial role in the prevention of and response to harassment and abuse in sport, including significant contributions to the prioritisation of athletes’ well-being and safeguarding, both within their organisation and at major sporting events.
The graduation ceremony will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, with expenses to attend the ceremony to be borne by the candidate.
Students who successfully pass the course will be eligible to graduate with an IOC Certificate and become part of an international alumni network of safeguarding officers in sport.