The HVBF at the 2nd Educational Module of GUARD Child in Croatia
As part of the implementation of the educational activities of the European Erasmus+GUARD project www.project-guard.eu, with the theme of Child Protection in Sport, the Croatian Olympic Committee successfully hosted the 2nd Training Module in Zagreb, Croatia, with the participation of counterparts from the National Federations of the project's partner countries – Child Protection Officers.
Project leader Maja Poljak welcomed the European participants and reported on the progress of the project, noting that the GUARD project was built on the belief that every child has the right to feel safe in sport.
With the contribution of experts, representatives of Olympic Committees, the Croatian Ministry of Tourism & Sports, and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, the following topics were presented and discussed:
• Roadmap for the effective protection of children.
• Violence in sport – myths and misconceptions.
• Research analysis of violence in children's sports.
• Children's rights in the sporting environment.
• International legal and regulatory frameworks – Human rights and sport.
• Protection in sport – An athlete-centered approach.
Throughout the day, participants explored child protection frameworks in sport and completed an evaluation survey designed to support the creation of a European network of Child Protection Officers, an online platform that will facilitate
Throughout the day, participants explored child protection frameworks in sport and completed an evaluation survey designed to support the creation of a European network of Child Protection Officers, an online platform that will facilitate cooperation and knowledge sharing among participants.
This project was a unique opportunity for direct contact and exchange of experiences and knowledge on the issue, as well as discussion on how to implement best practices.
The program is supported by the Hellenic Olympic Committee, headed by the HOC Ethics Committee, Ms. Fotini Karamanlaki, in collaboration with the HOC European Programs Office. The Hellenic Volleyball Federation was represented by Ms. Eirini Charafia, Head of Administration Dept, Member of HVBF team for European programmes, and Child Protection Officer for Volleyball.
The final Training Module 3 is scheduled to take place in February 2026.
Project leader Maja Poljak welcomed the European participants and reported on the progress of the project, noting that the GUARD project was built on the belief that every child has the right to feel safe in sport.
With the contribution of experts, representatives of Olympic Committees, the Croatian Ministry of Tourism & Sports, and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, the following topics were presented and discussed:
• Roadmap for the effective protection of children.
• Violence in sport – myths and misconceptions.
• Research analysis of violence in children's sports.
• Children's rights in the sporting environment.
• International legal and regulatory frameworks – Human rights and sport.
• Protection in sport – An athlete-centered approach.
Throughout the day, participants explored child protection frameworks in sport and completed an evaluation survey designed to support the creation of a European network of Child Protection Officers, an online platform that will facilitate
Throughout the day, participants explored child protection frameworks in sport and completed an evaluation survey designed to support the creation of a European network of Child Protection Officers, an online platform that will facilitate cooperation and knowledge sharing among participants.
This project was a unique opportunity for direct contact and exchange of experiences and knowledge on the issue, as well as discussion on how to implement best practices.
The program is supported by the Hellenic Olympic Committee, headed by the HOC Ethics Committee, Ms. Fotini Karamanlaki, in collaboration with the HOC European Programs Office. The Hellenic Volleyball Federation was represented by Ms. Eirini Charafia, Head of Administration Dept, Member of HVBF team for European programmes, and Child Protection Officer for Volleyball.
The final Training Module 3 is scheduled to take place in February 2026.
