IOC to have welfare officer in Rio to keep check on harassment

All reported incidents will be dealt with through a confidential procedure linked to local law enforcement agencies and relevant disciplinary channels.

A framework for safeguarding athletes will be in place, starting from the opening of the Olympic Village on 24 July until the closing of the Olympic Village on 24 August.

The International Olympic Committee says a welfare officer will be assigned to the athletes’ village in Rio de Janeiro to coordinate any reports of harassment or abuse during the games next month.

The IOC says the Rio Games is the first where “a framework for safeguarding athletes” will be in place. The village opens on Sunday until Aug. 24, three days after the closing ceremony.

The IOC says incidents will be handled by “a confidential procedure linked to local law enforcement agencies and relevant disciplinary channels.”

Olympic team leaders and sports governing bodies also received IOC advice on running their programs to protect athletes.

The IOC says its executive board approved those guidelines last month.