The Depiro Sports Club has implemented a number of initiatives as part of the “Safe Sport” project funded by the Voluntary Organizations Projects Scheme (VOPS) of the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector. This included infrastructural work, resources, training and outreach which all contributed towards a safer sporting environment.
The results of this funding were shown to the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia Portelli during a visit she made to the Depiro Sports Club in Mtarfa. The minister was accompanied by the CEO of MCVS Mauro Pace Parascandolo.
The club installed two AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) and also invested in First Aid kits equipped for all the different sporting and educational activities that take place in the club. These two resources are accessible to all members of the community, and not just to those who attend the Depiro Sports Club. A first aid course was also held, which was open to various entities and associations, and another more specialized course on inclusion and diversity was also held. This training focused on neurodiversity, behaviour, effective communication and the creation of inclusive environments among others. Club staff also participated in training on inclusiveness.
In order to ensure sustainability, the “Safe Sport” project also included the writing and launch of a Safe Sport Policy. It focused both on the responsibilities towards the students, the maintenance of a professional relationship with the athletes, the respect of the differences and the individuality of the students, the sports integrity, the collaboration between the stakeholders and knowledge and professional well-being in the sector. This document should help the athletes’ experience with the Depiro Sports Club to be a good one and to create a professional culture. This document will also be shared with other entities for those who want guidelines of good practices in the sector.
The Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia Portelli expressed her satisfaction for this project which will not only strengthen the Rabat Depiro Sports Club but the community in general. “This project is a clear example of how these types of projects can be enjoyed by everyone, even the rest of the community. We will continue to invest in strengthening and creating more schemes and aids that help voluntary organizations invest not only in their operations, but to be in a better position to have a positive impact on those around them,” concluded the minister.
The CEO of the Depiro Sports Club Ruben Baldacchino stated that “This project has helped us move two steps forward in creating a safer environment for the participants and all the staff at the Depiro Sports Club. The creation of a policy, staff training and investment in resources to create an inclusive environment were an important milestone for our organization. The project aimed to create an environment that focuses on the physical aspect but also integrates the social, emotional and mental aspects as well. We must appreciate that in today’s life it is important to have holistic systems for the formation of young athletes.”
In a comment during the activity, the Chief Executive of the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector Mauro Pace Parascandalo, noted how much good the projects leave that are not only done and end when the project is concluded, but that can be replicated and used by other organizations.
“Thus the work that has been done by a union can be adapted by others, in this case sportsmen, so that similar policies can be set up with which these clubs become more professional, inclusive and ultimately safer for all athletes and volunteers who participate willingly.”
Photo: MIV
