Building a Culture of Safety, Trust, and Excellence through a National Framework for Safer and Stronger Gymnastics
Gymnastics Canada (GymCan) is proud to announce the launch of its Safer and Stronger Safe Sport Strategy, a comprehensive framework that reinforces the organization’s commitment to fostering safe, healthy, and inclusive environments throughout the Canadian gymnastics community.
The strategy provides a clear roadmap for advancing safe sport across all levels of gymnastics and is grounded in four foundational pillars: Protect and Prevent, Respond and Resolve, Engage and Educate, and Learn and Lead.Together, these pillars will guide GymCan’s efforts to strengthen participant safety, enhance accountability, empower communities through education, and continuously improve the systems that support athletes, coaches, judges, support staff, parents, volunteers, and leaders.
“Safe sport is fundamental to the health and future of gymnastics in Canada,” said Debra Armstrong, CEO of GymCan. “The Safer and Stronger Strategy reflects our commitment to building environments where every participant feels safe, respected, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.”
The Four Pillars of the Safer and Stronger Strategy
Protect and Prevent – GymCan is committed to creating environments that reduce risk and proactively safeguard participants from harm. Through robust policies, screening measures, codes of conduct, and preventative practices, the organization will continue to strengthen the systems that support participant well-being and safety.
Respond and Resolve Effective and transparent processes are essential to maintaining trust and accountability. GymCan will support clear and accessible reporting pathways, fair complaint management procedures, and trauma-informed approaches that ensure concerns are addressed appropriately and consistently.
Engage and Educate – Creating lasting cultural change requires shared understanding and collective responsibility. GymCan will expand educational opportunities and resources that empower participants to recognize, prevent, and respond to maltreatment while fostering respectful and inclusive environments throughout the sport.
Learn and Lead – Continuous improvement is at the heart of the strategy. GymCan will leverage data, stakeholder feedback, emerging research, and leading practices to strengthen safe sport initiatives and demonstrate leadership within the Canadian sport system.
The strategy is data-informed and reflects collaboration and consultation with the athletes, provincial and territorial gymnastics organizations, safe sport experts, and the Safety Steering Committee. It also aligns with national safe sportpriorities and GymCan’s broader commitments in the WIN+ Strategic Plan including participant well-being and organizational excellence.
“The launch of Safer and Stronger marks an important step in our ongoing safe sport journey,” said Dr Kacey Neely, Director, Safe Sport at GymCan. “By focusing on prevention, response, education, and continuous learning, we are creating a stronger foundation for the future of gymnastics in Canada. One where athletes and coaches alike can really soar.”
“Athletes perform at their best when they feel safe, supported and respected. The Safer and Stronger Strategy is an important step forward in reinforcing an environment where everyone can participate and reach excellence with confidence,” said Sophiane Méthot, athlete representative on the GymCan Board of Directors.
Implementation of the strategy will begin immediately, supported by measurable objectives, regular evaluation, and transparent reporting to ensure meaningful progress and accountability.
The full Safer and Stronger Safe Sport Strategy is available at https://gymcan.org/safer-and-stronger/.