The Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF) has published its 2023 Annual Report which, for the first time, uses the Foundation’s new strategic framework Gymnasts 2028 as a reporting tool. Last year’s key activities, including the case management, are featured within the framework’s different strategic priorities, showcasing how the Foundation has advanced in the important fields of harm prevention, discipline and adjudication, and capacity development.
In addition, the document provides an overview of the Foundation’s communication activities; the most important internal processes; and provides an outlook on the next year. The Foundation’s audited financial accounts are also included in the report.
Looking back at last year, GEF President Micheline Calmy-Rey said:
“The year 2023 has also been one of introspection and planning, culminating with the launch of the Gymnasts 2028 Strategic Framework, providing focus and direction to enhance our impact, focusing on integrating human rights expertise and lived experiences into our activities. These elements are crucial as we aim not only to address issues reactively but to foster a proactive culture of dignity and respect within the gymnastics community.”
In 2023, the GEF Council welcomed two new members with invaluable expertise and experience: Elda Moreno, a distinguished human rights lawyer specialising in children's rights and change management; and Aagje Vanwalleghem a former gymnastics athlete, an Olympian, coach and success counsellor.
The GEF President further explained:
“Our commitment extends beyond immediate investigations. Guided by Gymnasts 2028, we strive for a holistic approach to accountability, ensuring that all behaviors are addressed, whether individual or collective. It is essential that the community knows that inaction and silence can be just as detrimental as actual individual acts of abuse themselves.”
In 2023, the Foundation also advanced with its important plan to set up an Athlete Advisory Panel (AAP) which will ensure that the voices and concerns of athletes are more effectively represented and addressed both within the Foundation’s internal structures as well as within the sport at a broader level.
Operational since January 2019, the Foundation has, over the span of five years, seen a steady increase in case load resulting in about 90 open cases by the end of 2023. This trend of increasing cases is directly linked to a surge in reporting, which is very likely to continue as the awareness of the Foundation and its independent reporting mechanism keeps growing.
In 2023, as part of its safeguarding mission, the GEF also progressed in developping its collaboration with other organisations and experts involved in safeguarding, including those representing athletes and survivors, to better serve affected individuals and encourage those who may hesitate to report.
In addition, the Foundation continued to work with National Federations (NFs) by providing them with policy recommendations for efficient complaint processes, ensuring that NFs may effectively address grievances and uphold ethical standards within their respective jurisdictions.
Read the full report:
Read the notes to the financial report:
The GEF is an independent body which was established by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) in December 2018 in order to ensure that violations of FIG rules, policies, and procedures, including ethical breaches, are handled in an unbiased way. One of the Foundation’s main missions is to strengthen the safeguarding of athletes and other participants in gymnastics from harassment and abuse.