“Toxic Culture and Abusive Practices”: Gymnastics Canada calls for action against issues
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A long plaguing problem has called for over 70 former and current gymnasts to write a letter from Gymnastics Canada for an independent investigation into the practices of the sport. The letter has been sent to Canada’s director general Vicki Walker, after complaints came against several Canadian coaches.
The fear of backlash and punishment did not help much either, and prevented individuals from speaking out earlier. However, now has come the time for change, said the group. “We can no longer sit in silence. We are coming forward with our experiences of abuse, neglect and discrimination in hopes of forcing change,” they said according to BBC.com.
The group has sent a letter in the hopes of preventing the same fate upon the future gymnasts in Canada, so that they do not have to endure “physical and psychological trauma”.
“Abusive Behaviours continue in gyms”: Gymnastics Canada talks about unfair practices
The letter states that there have been many complaints as well as arrests for various forms of emotional, physical and sexual abuse. In most cases these complaints were against Canadian coaches, who often work with minors.
“We know that there are many more examples of harm that have not yet come to light, and we know that abusive behaviours continue in gyms across this country today,” the letter said. The letter said that the current board and CEO of GymCan has failed to address these issues, losing the trust and confidence of the athletes. “Their inability to adequately respond to ongoing systemic abuse, mistreatment and discrimination is troubling.”
Gymnastics Canada is yet to reply to the letter.
Also read: “I’m probably already aged out”: Will Simone Biles continue her future in gymnastics?
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Saivee Phatak
(1164 Articles Published)