USOC doubles funding to aid abuse investigations

Published February 8, 2019
Steps are being taken to support victims of Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal and prevent future abuse. — File photo
Steps are being taken to support victims of Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal and prevent future abuse. — File photo

NEW YORK: The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) will double its annual funding to $6.2 million for the entity which investigates sexual abuse complaints raised by Olympic athletes, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said on Wednesday.

Grassley, who is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, asked the USOC in a letter two weeks ago to outline the steps being taken to support athletes affected by the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal and prevent future abuse of athletes.

Among the reforms and initiatives listed in a nine-page reply sent by Covington, a law firm which represents the USOC, was more funding for the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which opened in 2017 with the aim of preventing all forms of abuse in sport.

Grassley said in a statement the USOC’s plan to provide additional resources to the Center for SafeSport demonstrates that it is taking claims of abuse and misconduct more seriously.

“Fostering a culture that respects athletes of all ages and abilities will require continued oversight and support from the Olympic Committee,” Grassley said in a statement. “I’ll continue to work with the Olympic Committee, athlete advocates and other stakeholders to ensure that the world’s most coveted sports institution continues to inspire athletes, promote safety and make all Americans proud.”

The US Center for SafeSport, which calls itself the first and only national organisation of its kind, is an independent nonprofit committed to ending all forms of abuse in sport.

Larry Nassar, who was a team doctor for USA Gymnastics, was sentenced to up to 300 years in prison in two different trials in Michigan last year after more than 350 women testified about abuse at his hands, including Olympic champions Aly Raisman and Jordyn Wieber.

A report commissioned by the USOC said the organisation failed to protect athletes from the threat of sexual abuse and that some former top executives took no action as the Nassar scandal was unfolding.

The USOC, which has already implemented reforms and initiatives, including instituting new leadership and stronger accountability measures, said it is creating a culture free from abuse that can be an example for all other organisations.

“From changing governance and personnel, policies and procedures and, most importantly, culture the USOC is a very different organisation today than it was just a few months ago,” USOC Chief Executive Sarah Hirshland said in a statement. “We’re committed to helping create an elite sports ecosystem where athletes feel supported, can raise issues without fear, and can thrive both personally and professionally.”

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2019

Opinion

Editorial

Cipher acquittal
Updated 04 Jun, 2024

Cipher acquittal

Our state, in its desperation to victimise another ex-PM, once again left them looking like more of a hero than they perhaps deserved to be.
China sojourn
04 Jun, 2024

China sojourn

AS the prime minister begins his five-day visit to China today, investment — particularly to reinvigorate the...
Measles resurgence
04 Jun, 2024

Measles resurgence

THE alarming rise in measles cases across Pakistan signals a burgeoning public health crisis that demands immediate...
Large projects again?
Updated 03 Jun, 2024

Large projects again?

Government must focus on debt sustainability by curtailing its spending and mobilising more resources.
Local power
03 Jun, 2024

Local power

A SIGNIFICANT policy paper was recently debated at an HRCP gathering, calling for the constitutional protection of...
Child-friendly courts
03 Jun, 2024

Child-friendly courts

IN a country where the child rights debate has been a belated one, it is heartening to note that a recent Supreme...