Celebrating those who make sport safe: Safe Sport Day 2025
Safe Sport Day, held annually on August 8, is a time to reflect on the importance of protecting children and young people in sport.
At Sport Integrity Australia (SIA), we are proud to stand alongside our international partners in reaffirming the International Safeguards for Children in Sport pledge – a statement of support and commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and respectful sporting environments.
This year’s theme Celebrating the people who make sport safe shines a spotlight on the coaches, volunteers, policy-makers, athletes and safeguarding champions who work every day to ensure sport is safe for everyone.
Our commitment to child safeguarding
Child safeguarding is at the heart of SIA’s mission. Through education, policy development, and collaboration with sporting organisations, SIA works to ensure that every child can participate in sport free from harm. Safe Sport Day is an opportunity to highlight the progress we’ve made, and the work still to be done.
The role of National Integrity Managers
A key driver of our safeguarding efforts is the work of National Integrity Managers (NIMs). These dedicated leaders play a vital role in helping sports embed integrity practices, support safe environments, and respond to concerns.
NIMs are funded by SIA, through the National Integrity Capability Enhancement Program, to enhance the integrity capabilities of sports that have adopted the National Integrity Framework.
SIA’s Deputy CEO – Safety in Sport and Deputy Chair of the International Safeguards for Children in Sport Advisory Board, Dr Paul Oliver, acknowledged their work is vital in translating policy into action and fostering cultures of safety and respect.
“NIMs are the quiet champions of safe sport. Their work behind the scenes ensures that safeguarding is not just a policy, but a lived reality for young athletes,” Dr Oliver said.
A message of thanks
This Safe Sport Day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every NIM across the country. Their dedication, commitment and care make sport safer for children and young people every day.
Judo and Taekwondo NIM and four-time Olympian, Bron Knox, said she sees her role as giving back to the sporting community that gave her so much.
“I want to ensure that everyone has the right to access sport in a safe way,” she said.
Knox acknowledged that society has changed on what is expected from sport, and policies now reflect that shift.
“We need to ensure that everyone understands those minimum requirements so that they can enjoy sport and be a part of the community that they love.”
SIA would also like to thank the broader sporting community for embracing integrity and safeguarding as shared responsibilities. Together, we’re building a safer, fairer future for sport.
Looking ahead
As we celebrate Safe Sport Day 2025, we remain focused on strengthening our safeguarding frameworks, expanding education, and deepening partnerships across the sector. Together, we can build a future where sport is safe, fair, and inclusive for all.
Watch our tribute to Safe Sport Champions
Check out our YouTube playlist to meet some of the Safe Sport Champions working hard in sports around Australia to help keep children and young people safe.
