Bangkok, Thailand, December 6, 2024: OCA Safeguarding Workshop panel moderator Mark Chay has described the event as “inspiring” and highlighted the “collaborative spirit” during the seminar in Bangkok on Thursday, December 5.
The swimming Olympian and Vice President of the Singapore National Olympic Council said it was “an incredible honour” to chair a panel of three athletes in a discussion entitled “Champions for Safeguarding in Sports” to kick off the one-day workshop.
The panelists were Valerie Tarazi (Palestine, swimming), Chair of the OCA Gender Equity Committee; India’s Shiva Keshavan, six-time Winter Olympian in luge and Vice Chair of the OCA Athletes Committee; and Terry Tay (Singapore, gymnastics), elected member of the OCA Athletes Committee.
In a social media post, Mark said: “What a truly meaningful experience being part of the OCA Safeguarding Workshop in Bangkok.
“During the panel, we had profound discussions on safeguarding, focusing on creating a safe training and competition environment to help athletes perform at their best. We explored the different dimensions of harassment — not just physical, mental, or sexual, but also the growing concerns around online harassment — and ways administrators can support athletes in coping with these challenges.
“Communication stood out as a key theme, and we emphasized how athletes have a critical role in shaping policies and taking shared responsibility to keep sport a safe space for all.”
He added that he was “especially thrilled” to see the strong support and active participation from Singapore NOC and Safe Sport Commission Singapore, represented by Training and Education Manager Syahirah Latiff.
“It’s heartening to know that Singapore continues to lead the way in safeguarding practices, sharing valuable experiences with our counterparts in Asia,” Mark said.
“What truly stood out to me was the overwhelming participation from 43 out of 45 Asian NOCs — a significant indication of how vital this issue is to the sustainability and integrity of sport across the region.
“A big thank you to the OCA for organizing this impactful event and bringing us all together, and to the Thai NOC for so graciously hosting the workshop. It was inspiring to see the collaborative spirit in the room. Grateful to have been part of such an important initiative, and I look forward to seeing the collective impact we can create in safeguarding our athletes and the future of sports.”
The OCA Safeguarding Workshop was organised in collaboration with the IOC and included presentations from FIFA and Safe Sport International.
