Noura Al-Saad

MANAMA, Oct 28: The Kuwait Olympic Committee reaffirmed its commitment to making athlete protection and awareness a top priority, stressing that providing a safe and supportive sporting environment has become essential to safeguarding athletes’ mental and physical well-being and ensuring their continued growth and success in sports.

Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the sidelines of Kuwait’s participation in the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, Safeguarding Officer Noura Al-Saad described the implementation of the athlete protection program as a major step forward for the Committee. She noted that this initiative—relatively new in the global sports landscape—focuses primarily on protecting youth and junior athletes while promoting a culture of safe sports and educating athletes about their rights and responsibilities in an environment free from abuse or misconduct.

Al-Saad explained that her role as Safeguarding Officer centers on ensuring that all athletes can compete in an environment that is safe, respectful, and fully protective of their rights, while preventing any form of physical, psychological, or verbal harm. She emphasized the importance of fostering a positive sports culture built on respect, trust, and integrity.

She also highlighted that one of her key responsibilities is to build strong, trust-based relationships with both male and female athletes, enabling them to speak openly and seek confidential support whenever needed. This approach, she said, helps find effective solutions to challenges that may hinder their athletic progress or affect their personal lives.