WOA Urges Olympians to Speak up on Integrity

Monaco; 07 November 2018

World Olympians Association (WOA) has urged Olympians around the world to join the fight for greater integrity in global sport, with the ultimate aim of preserving the Olympic values of friendship, excellence and respect.

In recent times, integrity, clean sport, good governance, discrimination, due process, and harassment and abuse have become key topics.

In an open letter to Olympians, across all disciplines and nationalities, WOA President Joël Bouzou said that Olympians have the unique opportunity to shed light on these issues and safeguard the integrity of sport and protect future Olympians by engaging with the following critical initiatives.

IOC INTEGRITY AND COMPLIANCE HOTLINE

Olympians, athletes, coaches, referees and the public can call the IOC’s Integrity and Compliance Hotline to report any potential violation of the IOC Code of Ethics (including cheating it all its forms and abuse of athletes or positions of power). Reports can be made anonymously, and all information received is dealt with confidentially. Access the Hotline HERE.

WADA SPEAK UP

The World Anti-Doping Association’s Speak Up service encourages Olympians and all members of the public to report any anti-doping rule violation, any alleged World Anti-Doping Code non-compliance violation, or any act or omission that could undermine the fight against doping. A report can be filed by anyone confidentially, securely and anonymously. Access Speak Up HERE.

In highlighting the initiatives, WOA President, Joël Bouzou, said:

"We must fiercely protect the integrity and fairness of sport and have the courage and conviction required to raise concerns about cheating and abuse, no matter what form it takes. As Olympians we all have a responsibility and an obligation to embody the values of Olympism – respect, fairness, and friendship – and must feel empowered to speak up against any integrity offences.

"The Olympic Movement needs its Olympians to help protect the values which we all hold dear. I urge anyone, with any knowledge, to speak up and help create a fairer world sport for all."

-ENDS-

About World Olympians Association

WOA is the member organisation for the more than 100,000 Olympians worldwide. Our remit is to work for the benefit of all Olympians at all stages of their lives, empowering them to serve society and help make the world a better place. With 149 member National Olympians Associations spread across all five continents, WOA provides support to Olympian-run events and projects based on the Olympic ideals laid down by the founder of the modern Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin.

For more information

Tom Lloyd

VERO Communications

TLloyd@verocom.co.uk

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