In a pioneering development for local athletics, Dominica has, for the first time, appointed a Safeguarding Officer to accompany its national athletics team to a significant sporting event. This initiative is designed to emphasize the welfare of athletes and establish a safer environment for all members of the team, shared the Dominica Athletics Association. Felicien Antoine, a former national athlete, has been chosen to fill this historic position as the team gears up for the 2025 CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago.
The release went on to define a safeguarding officer (sometimes referred to as a welfare officer), as an individual dedicated to ensuring the protection, safety, and overall well-being of athletes, coaches, and officials. Their responsibilities include identifying and addressing potential risks, providing support, and maintaining a safe and respectful atmosphere throughout the event.
Before the team’s departure, Mr. Antoine highlighted the significance of this role, stating,“ From recent trends noted by World Athletics, there has been an increase in cases and reports of abuse. So the creation of the safeguarding officer was initiated so that we can create a safe space to prevent any form of abuse for anybody in this athletics fraternity.”
During the games, Antoine’s main responsibility will be to stay vigilant and aware of the team’s surroundings, proactively detecting any signs of potential abuse or misconduct, and ensuring the well-being of the Dominica contingent is prioritized above all else.
The Dominica team, composed of nine athletes, left the island on Thursday morning, traveling to Port of Spain for the games. The 2025 CARIFTA Games will take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, with the opening ceremony set for 3:00 PM on Friday.
“This milestone marks a progressive step forward in safeguarding athletes and upholding the highest standards of care and integrity in Dominican sports”, stated the DAA.