Throughout February and March people around the world will enjoy the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we’re proud to have played a part in preparing for it.
The 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics take place in Italy, using the Dolomites mountain range and other sites in northeastern Italy, following opening ceremonies in Milan and Verona
But before the torches arrive, bringing together athletes from across the glob, there’s a huge amount of work happening behind the scenes, senior safeguarding consultant Carole Billington-Wood, herself a former world-class triathlete and member of the GB team at the 1990 and 1992 World Championships, has been training ParalympicsGB designated safeguarding officers (DSOs). The training was delivered with Ann Craft Trust’s Kimberley Walsh, and they welcomed staff from a variety of ParalympicsGB roles who will be part of the Welfare team during Games-time.
Carole said:
“We have been working with ParalympicsGB since 2011, and this latest collaboration builds on the welfare arrangements developed over numerous Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. It is an honour and pleasure to work with such a committed and experienced team, focusing on providing the best support for all ParalympicsGB Milan Cortina athletes and staff.”
Carole and Kimberley worked with Paralympic DSOs to focus on their roles and responsibilities during Games-time, with discussion about the risk factors that can exist within a high-performance environment and culture. They used interactive and scenario-based activities to equip DSOs with the knowledge and skills they need to help keep athletes and staff safe and supported, and how to respond to concerns.
These activities, developed with the ParalympicsGB lead safeguarding officers, provided opportunities to test the welfare plan and processes, and consider how the welfare roles in Milan Cortina will work together.
This includes ParalympicsGB Mental Health practitioners and Champions, and the British Elite Athletes Association’s independent support.
Clare Bishop, head of Athlete Services at ParalympicsGB said:
“Carole and Kimberley once again created an engaging and impactful day. With lots of safeguarding examples and scenarios to talk through, the group enjoyed plenty of discussion and sharing of experiences. The group left feeling better equipped to take on these important Games-time roles”
We’re looking forward to an exciting winter games, where athletes can perform confidently and have an enjoyable experience with the support of trained DSOs.