Judo Canada to unite with federal government's Abuse-Free Sport program

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, 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.

WATCH l Sports minister announces measures to hold sports organizations accountable:

Ottawa announces new steps to protect athletes from abuse

2 years ago

Duration 2:06

Federal Sports Minister Pascale St-Onge has announced new measures to hold sports organizations accountable, with the ultimate goal of protecting athletes from maltreatment and abuse.