Judo Canada signs on to federal government's Abuse-Free Sport program

Canada's Shady Elnahas, top, competes in the Men's -100kg judo final against Canada's Kyle Reyes at Coventry Arena on day six of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, on Aug. 3, 2022. (Joe Giddens / PA via AP)

MONTREAL -

Judo Canada says it's joined Abuse-Free Sport, the federal government's new independent program to prevent and address maltreatment in sport.

Starting on Jan. 2, Judo Canada and its stakeholders will have access to the services of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), which serves as the central hub of Abuse-Free Sport.

Judo Canada is the latest sports body to sign on to the program after allegations of sexual misconduct and other abuses have rocked organizations like Hockey Canada, Gymnastics Canada, and Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton.

"We're fully committed to doing our part to support a growing national movement that is changing the culture of sport in this country" said Mike Tamura president of Judo Canada. "As part of that commitment, we're pleased to sign on to Abuse-Free Sport and to soon have the OSIC to administer our safe sport complaints."

Judo Canada will be completing full adoption of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport.

Judo participants who have experienced or witnessed abuse will continue to have access to Judo Canada's independent third-party services until Jan. 2.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 7, 2022