Sport Integrity Australia Independent review of WAIS Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Program to commence
Sport Integrity Australia will undertake an
independent review of the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) Program at the
Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) following allegations of abuse and
harm by a group of former athletes.
WAIS referred historic allegations of mistreatment of gymnasts at its former WAG
program to Sport Integrity Australia (SIA), after being approached by a group
of former athletes.
WAIS and a group representing the athletes
have agreed on a terms of reference for the review. The ToR can be viewed here https://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/wais-review
The objectives of the review are to:
–
Examine
the athlete’s experiences and allegations of abuse and/or harm
–
Understand
the culture of the program throughout its period of operation from 1987 to 2016
–
Review
WAIS’ current child safe policies, procedures and processes and examine their effectiveness
Athletes, their families, staff, coaches and
other relevant personnel who participated in the WAIS program are able to make
submissions between now and 22nd June via the Sport Integrity
Australia website at https://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/wais-review
Support is available for WAIS athletes through
the AIS Mental Health Referral network via +61
2 6214 1130 (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm AET) or mentalhealth@sportaus.gov.au.
For assistance 24 hours, 7 days please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Whilst any WAIS athlete can access the AIS Mental Health Referral network through the AIS Be Heard program it is not the mechanism to submit information in relation to Sport Integrity Australia’s independent review of the WAIS Women’s Artistic Gymnastics program.