The Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC) is pleased to be a partner in the new Erasmus+ Project named “Strengthening Response Mechanism for Safeguarding in European Sports” (SAFE HARBOUR), which is coordinated by the European Olympic Committees EU Office (EOC EU Office). This initiative is dedicated to enhancing safeguarding mechanisms across European sport, creating safer environments for all. 

About BOIC 

BOIC is Belgium’s National Olympic Committee (NOC), representing the Olympic Movement and its values across the country. As the Olympic partner for elite sport in Belgium, the NOC carries out its mission in close collaboration with the sports administrations of the three communities: Sport Vlaanderen, Adeps, and Ostbelgien. It serves as the umbrella organisation over the national sports federations. Together the representatives of 83 sports federations represent around 24.000 sport clubs and 2.200.000 active members. Thus, while primarily recognised as a key partner in elite sport, BOIC is also actively involved in a range of initiatives that directly or indirectly support grassroots sport. 

The work of BOIC on safeguarding in sports to date 

BOIC provides a range of services to athletes in preparation for multi-disciplinary competitions and training camps, including safeguarding provisions embedded in codes of conduct and awareness-raising activities. In addition to relevant services, such as the Athlete Pathway Manager within NOC’s staff, several advisory commissions, including the Athletes’ Commission, the Athletes’ Entourage Commission and the Commission on Gender Equity, play a vital role in safeguarding and promoting the well-being of athletes and their entourages. Furthermore, BOIC coordinates a network of experts, offering multi-disciplinary support including medical, psychological, and nutritional assistance, with safeguarding integrated through roles such as the Team Belgium Welfare Officer, Safeguarding Officer and the Team Belgium Sports Psychology Network.  

Additionally, as part of its commitment to providing a holistic approach to integrity issues for the benefit of athletes and all entourage members, BOIC is currently drafting a comprehensive integrity policy, which will address issues such as anti-doping, competition manipulation prevention, as well as safeguarding. Furthermore, BOIC organised a workshop, in collaboration with the Centre for Ethics in Sport, for its staff members in 2021, while Nicky Van Rossem – who is involved in the SAFE HARBOUR project - is currently pursuing the IOC Certificate: Safeguarding Officer in Sport. Looking ahead, BOIC is continuously exploring ways to boost the knowledge and competences of its staff and officials on safeguarding issues. 

 The role of BOIC within the SAFE HARBOUR project 

Within the SAFE HARBOUR project, BOIC will play a critical role in tailoring the European Response framework to its national context. Responsibilities include drafting a National Strategy to guide safeguarding actions, delivering mandatory training for the leadership and National Federations, and hosting a National Multiplier Event to raise awareness among stakeholders. Additionally, BOIC will engage in peer-to-peer roundtables, contribute to thematic seminars, and disseminate the project results through various channels. By actively participating in all project activities, BOIC will help ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of safeguarding measures. 

Background information on the SAFE HARBOUR project  

The SAFE HARBOUR project, short for “Strengthening Response Mechanisms for Safeguarding in European Sport”, is a 30-month project co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Sport Programme 2024. Coordinated by the EOC EU Office, the consortium includes Thomas More and Asser Institute as experts on safeguarding, human rights and law, 2 International Federations (International Biathlon Union and International Ice Hockey Federations), and 20 National Olympic Committees (Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia). Additionally, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is involved as an outside resource.   

The project seeks to strengthen the capacity of European NOCs and Federations to address safeguarding concerns by identifying gaps, developing a European Response framework, and fostering collaboration. This framework will be adapted to national contexts, complemented by training and awareness initiatives to enhance safeguarding measures at both national and European levels. Therefore, SAFE HARBOUR aims to equip partner NOCs and Federations with the tools and confidence to implement effective safeguarding measures while establishing a robust support network for Safeguarding Officers and laying the groundwork for a future IOC Regional Safeguarding Hub.