Ebeth Grobbelaar, Deputy Director of the South African Doping Control Laboratory, speaks to the media at a press briefing in this file picture. Safer sport comes under the spotlight at the upcoming Safe Sport International Conference, featuring global leaders and groundbreaking discussions.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is set to become a pivotal venue for international sport welfare discussions as it prepares to host the 6th Safe Sport International Conference from May 25 to 27. The event promises to be a major milestone in the global safe sport movement, bringing together delegates from 87 countries, marking it as the most internationally representative gathering to date.
Themed "Moving safeguarding from intention to implementation," Safe Sport 2026 will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers from organisations such as the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), World Rugby, World Athletics, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Additional contributions will come from key global entities including UNESCO, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, the World Anti-Doping Agency, and the Confederation of African Football.
Set in the New Lecture Theatre, the conference aims to foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers, athletes, educators, safeguarding practitioners, and sport leaders dedicated to enhancing athlete welfare and strengthening safer sport systems worldwide. The carefully curated programme spans three interconnected days — Africa Day, Global Day, and Research Day — addressing a spectrum of topics including community practice, athlete voice, governance, law, research, and international standards.
