Wheelchair Basketball Canada (WBC) joins Abuse-Free Sport, the new independent program to prevent and address maltreatment in sport.

WBC and each of its National Team athletes and coaches, employees, identified national technical officials, identified contractors, and Board of Directors will have access to the services provided by the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), which serves as the central hub of Abuse-Free Sport, as of January 31, 2023.

“Wheelchair Basketball Canada is committed to ensuring a healthy and positive environment for all of its members,” said Wheelchair Basketball Canada Executive Director Wendy Gittens. “We are pleased to support and sign on to Abuse-Free Sport as a step toward improving the culture of sport in Canada.”

Abuse-Free Sport is the new independent program aimed at preventing and addressing maltreatment in sport. When there are allegations of abuse, harassment or discrimination, the Office conducts independent investigations and recommends sanctions against individuals who violate the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS). The Office will also maintain a national sanctions registry, preventing individuals from evading sanctions by moving to different sports or jurisdictions.

The program also includes access to a wide range of resources, including victim services and referrals to specialized mental health professionals and experienced lawyers.

You can find more information about the Abuse-Free Sport program here, on the OSIC here, and on WBC’s website.