As part of the SAYES Conference, the International Skating Union (ISU) and its SAYES partners launched the SAYES ISU eLearning Course, focused on Safeguarding Young European Skaters. The event attracted 140 participants both online and in-person, primarily ISU Member representatives and new national safeguarding appointees.

SAYES eLearning Module – presenting left to right: Simon Latournerie (Colosse Aux Pieds d'Argile) and Cristina Ibarra (ISU)

A highlight of the conference was the soft launch of the SAYES ISU eLearning Course. Designed to provide education and tools for Safeguarding young skaters, the course will officially be available on the ISU eRink platform in January 2025. The presentation of the course received highly positive feedback from participants, reflecting the importance of this initiative in advancing safeguarding efforts within the skating community.

Left to right: Eva Jacomet (Sport et Citoyenneté), Cristina Ibarra (ISU), Aine Power (FEI), Alex McLin (GEF)

The conference featured insightful discussions led by distinguished speakers. Kirsty Burrows (Safe Sport – IOC) introduced the IOC Database of Safeguarding Officers and shared data from the Gangwon Youth Olympic Games survey, emphasizing the critical role of safeguarding education and awareness. Meanwhile, Alex McLin (GEF), Aine Power (FEI), and Cristina Ibarra (ISU) discussed case management approaches (emphasizing the uniqueness of each case and the need to have a sensitive approach). They also discussed ways on how International Federations raise awareness, provide education, and capacity building at national levels with international level support.

The event also showcased the significant contributions of ISU Members, particularly those from France, Hungary, and the Netherlands, who are partners in the SAYES project. Their experiences highlighted the practical implementation of safeguarding measures, their challenges, and their impact on the skating community.

Adding depth to the discussions, SAYES partners Colosse aux Pieds d’Argile and Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University shared findings from their focus group research on sexual violence risks to minors in sports.  These insights underscored the importance of evidence-based policies and proactive prevention strategies.

ISU Members Perspectives on safeguarding – left to right: Ingrid Beutler (Moderator - Think Beyond), Jan Caflisch(Swiss ISU Member), Fanni Angyal (Hungarian ISU Member), Corien Mostert (Dutch ISU Member).

The conference concluded with powerful grassroots perspectives from Skater Nathalie Lindquist (ISU Athletes Commission), coach Cedric Pernet, and parent Lucy Trochet (and safeguarding consultant). Their voices provided a grounded understanding of how safeguarding policies affect those directly involved in the sport, emphasizing the importance of disseminating these policies not only to international-level Skaters, but also to amateur and regional Skaters.

The SAYES project, funded by the Erasmus+ program and the European Commission, continues to provide resources and tools to address interpersonal and sexual violence in skating.  By 2025, the tools and resources developed will be widely disseminated, creating safer environments for young Skaters worldwide.