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Sports

Safe4Athletes

Safe4Athletes is hosting a fundraiser to raise funds to support the work of the organization and increase awareness about the organization’s mission. Advocate for athlete welfare where every athlete is provided a safe and positive environment free of sexual abuse, bullying and harassment.

 

The cocktail reception will be held June 26, 2012 at the home of Richard Riordan (the former Mayor of Los Angeles) in Los Angeles at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $250.00. RSVP is required. (www.safe4athletes.eventbrite.com)

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Olympians and Celebrities to attend will include Nancy Hogshead-Makar, (3 x Olympic Gold Medalist, Swimming), Gabe Gardner (Olympic Gold Medalist, Volleyball), Connie Paraskevin (Olympic Bronze Medal, Track Cyclist and Speed Skater), Cathy Marino (Kayak), Ann Drysdale (Olympic Silver Medal Basketball), Dr.Sammy Lee and Pat McCormick (Olympic Gold Medals Diving), Cliff Meidl (Kayaking, USA Flag Barrer in 2000), and Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr. As well as many other prominent local Olympians and Celebrities.

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“For too many years, male and female athletes, who have been physically, emotionally and sexually abused by their coaches, have had no champions to address their cause. Yet, every parent wants their child to have a safe and rewarding sport experience. Most sport organizations have closed their eyes to this issue and, often, defend their coach members. Now there is an independent group committed to changing this paradigm,” said Katherine Starr (Founder / President).

Some shocking facts about the history of abuse in youth sports:

  • 159 coaches have been fired or reprimanded for sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to rape.
  • Nearly all were male coaches victimizing girls.
  • At least 98 of these coaches continued to coach or teach.
  • 82 coaches have been banned from USA Gymnastics and 46 banned from USA Swimming.

The cost of the event is a 100% tax deductible donation, which goes to Safe4Athletes and the young athletes who need a voice.

For additional background on the organization, in addition to information about the ongoing athlete abuse, please see: www.safe4athletes.org

 

Directions to the event will be transmitted to all attendees with confirmation of ticket donation.


If you are unable to attend but would like to make a Donation please visit our site at www.safe4athletes.org or make checks to Safe4Athletes/Community Partners: PO Box 650, Santa Monica, CA 90406 - Tax ID-95-4302067

 

Thank you for your support.

 

Katherine Starr

Founder & President


Safe4Athletes is a not-for-profit organization that:

1. Advocates for and helps sports organizations adopt effective policies, procedures and educational programs that are designed to prevent coach, volunteer and peer misconduct whether it be sexual, bullying, harassment or other forms of inappropriate behaviors.

2. Assists sports organizations faced with situations involving sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and other forms of inappropriate conduct on how to handle these situations appropriately and act quickly to restore safe environments for athletes.

3. Provides a safe and confidential place where abused athletes, their parents or others concerned about the impact of coach/volunteer/peer misconduct can call to:

  • talk to other athletes who have been through similar situations; 
  • be referred to professional counselors who can provide psychological or other assistance; 
  • get advice on how to communicate with their local sports organization and national sports governing body so appropriate proceedings can be initiated to investigate, adjudicate and, if necessary, remove the offending coach or sport leader from his or her position before others can be hurt; and/or 
  • help their sports organization find model policies, procedures, educational programs and advice on how to prevent and to deal with such situations.

4. Encourages and helps educate all parents and athletes to be more aware of what they can do to recognize inappropriate coach/volunteer/peer behavior and understand how traumatic the effects of such experiences can be for athletes.

5. Partners with state, regional, and national sports governing associations and other national sports organizations to encourage the adoption of legislation mandating that their members adopt strong policies, procedures and educational programs regarding this issue.

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