[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 59 (Thursday, April 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             U.S. CENTER FOR SAFESPORT--ALLIED PROFESSIONAL

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of Texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 12, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the U.S. Center for SafeSport is an 
outstanding organization that helps prevent child abuse within the 
governing bodies of the United States Olympic Committee. SafeSport was 
launched in March of 2017 and aims to empower athletes by developing a 
national sport culture of respect and safety.
  SafeSport has a team of professionals specifically focused on 
developing best practices, policies, and programs to protect our 
children from predators and promote education and awareness about 
abuse.
  Additionally, the Center's Response and Resolution Office is tasked 
with investigating and resolving policy violations of the SafeSport 
Code for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement's 47 member National 
Governing Bodies. This will aid in investigations to identify trends 
and patterns across sport, which will help to strengthen prevention 
efforts.
  Congress has recently recognized the need for keeping our young 
athletes safe, and SafeSport is committed to fighting alongside us to 
end the exploitation of young women and men in this country. SafeSport 
not only is committed to preventing sexual abuse but any form of 
emotional and physical misconduct. This also extends to bullying, 
hazing, and harassment.
  With these policies put into place, SafeSport is effectively 
eradicating abuse from our sports programs. The organization is a 
shining beacon that empowers our youth to stand up for what is right.
  Each year the Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus honors outstanding 
individuals and organizations for their tireless efforts supporting and 
empowering survivors of crime. Co-chaired and co-founded by Jim Costa 
(D-CA) and myself, the bipartisan caucus advocates for crime victims 
and protects programs that provide critical support for related 
services.
  I am proud to award this amazing organization with the Congressional 
Victims' Rights Caucus Allied Professional Award, recognizing the 
efforts of SafeSport and their leadership, creativity, and commitment 
in linking allied professionals to improve the plight of crime victims 
in our Nation.
  And that's just the way it is.

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