Attendees were welcomed by Zlatko Mateša, President of the Croatian Olympic Committee, Helenca Pirnat Dragičević, Ombudsperson for Children of the Republic of Croatia, and Roberta Karadža, representative of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, who all emphasized the importance of joint action and shared responsibility among institutions in creating a safe environment for children and young athletes.
Project leader Maja Poljak welcomed participants from across Europe, highlighting that the GUARD project was founded on the belief that every child has the right to feel safe in sport. She explained that the second educational module represents a transition from raising awareness to taking concrete action, supported by international knowledge exchange.
Throughout the day, participants learned about frameworks for safeguarding children in sport. Presentations were given by Roberta Karadža from the Ministry of Tourism and Sport; Zrinka Greblo Jurakić and Ana Žnidarec Čučković, experts in child protection and athlete well-being; and Alina Gherghisan and Matea Horvat, representatives of partner organizations serving as child safeguarding officers in sport.
A particularly moving moment was delivered by Emma Thomas, former athlete, sports ethicist, and founder of the UK-based platform Under the Ropes, who shared her personal story—reminding everyone that protecting young athletes is a shared responsibility and that prevention must be the cornerstone of every system.
The afternoon session featured international examples of good practice from Poland, Slovenia, and the EOC EU Office. Representing the Slovenian Olympic Committee, Prof. Maja Smrdu, member of the EOC Ethics Commission, and Peter Dokl, OLY, Head of the Olympic Values Department, emphasized the importance of athlete-centered approaches, mental health, and ethical leadership in sport.
Carlotta Giussani, Head of EU Funding at the European Olympic Committees EU Office and Project Leader of SAFE HARBOUR, presented the results of that project and its connection with GUARD, underscoring how joint European efforts are shaping a comprehensive framework for athlete safeguarding in sport.
Participants completed an evaluation questionnaire, contributing to the analysis of the pilot training and the creation of a European network of child safeguarding officers in sport – an online platform that will foster collaboration, exchange of experiences, and the development of new ideas.
Following Zagreb, the same educational module will be held in Lithuania in November, further expanding child safeguarding education and standards across Europe. More information is available at www.project-guard.eu.
