The Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) has taken a first stand against abuse in sport by hosting a safeguarding and safety training workshop for presidents of various sports associations.
The workshop, held in Maseru on Monday, aimed to educate sports leaders on the importance of creating a free, safe and secure environment for athletes, with particular focus on the protection of children and vulnerable participants.
The initiative comes amid growing concern over increasing cases of abuse within sporting environments, a challenge that LNOC noted is not only affecting Lesotho but is also a global problem confronting sport worldwide.
Speaking at the workshop, LNOC’s President Letsatsi Ntsibolane acknowledged that some safeguarding issues may clash with traditional practices and cultural norms among the Basotho people.
“As Basotho, some practices in sport are often viewed as normal, yet they may involve serious issues,” said Ntsibolane.
“The main objective of this training is to protect athletes, especially children. In some of our cultural practices, coaches forget that they are entrusted with the responsibility to care for and protect athletes and instead turn them into personal partners.”
Ntsibolane stressed that safeguarding athletes is not optional but central to sporting success, urging coaches and administrators to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of those under their care.
“When athletes are protected, we can produce quality athletes through cooperation with all stakeholders in sport,” he said.
Morake Raleaka, the LNOC’s Secretary General, echoed the same sentiments, calling on coaches and all sporting stakeholders to uphold four key principles to maintain safe sporting environments: integrity, accountability, transparency and doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
“In your work, ask yourself: Are you honest? Do you fulfil your responsibilities once you are assigned a task? Do you do the right thing even when no one is watching?” Raleaka said.
He further emphasised the importance of continuous risk assessment in sports settings, regardless of who is involved.
“This includes identifying risks such as abuse, poor treatment of athletes, injuries and other dangers. We must also address violence in sport, implement policies that promote safe environments, train coaches and encourage reporting whenever a risk is identified,” he explained.
Meanwhile, LNOC’s Director of Operations ’Mathato Makhorole highlighted that the committee has clear operational guidelines designed to ensure that safeguarding remains a priority.
“If we do not prioritise athlete safeguarding, we will not reach our goals,” Makhorole warned.
She added that understanding rights and responsibilities is crucial in daily sports operations.
“In your day-to-day duties, make sure you do the right thing, even when no one is watching,” she concluded.
Summary
- The Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) has taken a first stand against abuse in sport by hosting a safeguarding and safety training workshop for presidents of various sports associations.
- The workshop, held in Maseru on Monday, aimed to educate sports leaders on the importance of creating a free, safe and secure environment for athletes, with particular focus on the protection of children and vulnerable participants.
- The initiative comes amid growing concern over increasing cases of abuse within sporting environments, a challenge that LNOC noted is not only affecting Lesotho but is also a global problem confronting sport worldwide.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
