Kyniska Advocacy and Gymnasts for Change Stand United.

Kyniska Advocacy and Gymnasts for Change stand united in our commitment to fostering a sporting community that prioritises the safety, wellbeing, and protection of everyone in sport.

While we believe that athlete wellbeing should be a fundamental measure of success in sport, the current culture and structures within sport often fail to protect athletes, particularly women, leading to environments where power imbalances and exploitation prevail.

Our organisations are driven by the lived experiences of athletes who have faced significant challenges and injustices. We know that athletes and survivors' voices are essential to our mission to create safe and equitable sporting environments. Without survivor voices, policies and practices around safe sport will never be reflective of the real measures needed to reduce abuse in sport.

From the pressure on elite child athletes, to the physical and emotional experiences by those striving for Olympic glory, the business of sport frequently capitalises on inherent vulnerabilities. This success at 'all and any cost’ culture permeates sport, causing long-lasting harm including broken bodies and shattered self-esteem.

We must tackle these toxic cultures head-on, by placing athlete and survivor voices at the centre of decision-making.

We call on policymakers, governing bodies, and sports organisations to engage in the work required to create safe and supportive environments for all athletes in all sports.

Signed,

Kate Seary and Mhairi Maclennan, Co-founders of Kyniska Advocacy
Claire Heafford, Co-founder & CEO of Gymnasts for Change