Български
RISE
Final RISE Meeting in Cyprus
11.10.2026
In the period 10–11 October 2026, the final international meeting of the RISE – Rise Empowered Above Sexual Violence in Sports project took place in Cyprus, bringing together partners from Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Spain. The meeting marked the completion of the initiative, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, and provided an opportunity to review the results achieved, finalise the remaining activities, and discuss the sustainability and future use of the resources developed. Bulgarian sports development association (BSDA), the Bulgarian partner in the initiative, participated in the meeting, represented by Joanna Dochevska and Valya Angelova.
Launched in Cyprus in 2023, the RISE project was established to address the sensitive and critically important issue of sexual violence in sport by strengthening prevention, raising awareness and promoting education, as well as building the capacity of sports organisations and professionals to ensure a safer environment for athletes, particularly young people. Within the framework of the project, the international partnership brought together research, policy development, education, practical training and awareness-raising activities. Research conducted in the participating countries explored the knowledge, experiences and needs of stakeholders in sport, providing a foundation for the development of the project's practical resources. Building on this work, the project developed a comprehensive set of protocols, policies, guidelines, manuals and educational resources, complemented by an online learning platform. These resources are designed to support sports professionals and organisations in identifying risks, strengthening prevention mechanisms and responding appropriately to cases of sexual violence in sport.
A significant part of RISE focused on putting the knowledge gained into practice. Two international training-of-trainers sessions brought together sports professionals from different European countries, while national seminars and educational activities helped disseminate the knowledge and tools developed among stakeholders in sport and young athletes. The training sessions covered topics such as recognising the forms and signs of sexual violence, prevention and response procedures, bystander intervention, youth empowerment and awareness-raising. The project also created opportunities for dialogue and cooperation at the European level. The European Forum on Good Practices for Preventing and Combating Sexual Violence in Sport, organised in Cyprus, brought together representatives of sports organisations, public institutions, academia, law enforcement agencies, non-governmental organisations and athletes to exchange approaches to prevention, protection and support for survivors.
RISE also developed audiovisual and informational materials and promoted its messages through the #RiseEmpowered campaign, the project website, social media and the communication channels of partner organisations. These efforts contributed to raising public awareness of athlete protection, respect and zero tolerance for sexual violence in sport.
During the final meeting in Cyprus, the partners reviewed the project's implementation and achievements and discussed how the resources, educational materials, digital tools and training approaches developed could continue to be used after the funding period ended. Particular attention was given to ensuring that the knowledge and practical tools created through RISE remain accessible to sports organisations, professionals and other stakeholders. The completion of RISE marks the end of the project's funding period, but not the work it has helped advance. The resources developed remain available to the sporting community, while the experience gained and the cooperation established among the participating organisations provide a foundation for continued efforts to build a safer sporting environment.
Safe sport requires more than awareness. It requires knowledge, clear procedures, well-prepared professionals and organisations, empowered athletes, and a shared commitment to prevention. For more information and access to the RISE resources, visit: www.rise-project.org
The RISE – Rise Empowered Above Sexual Violence in Sports project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union and coordinated by Social Policy and Action Organization (Cyprus), in partnership with organisations from Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Spain.
A significant part of RISE focused on putting the knowledge gained into practice. Two international training-of-trainers sessions brought together sports professionals from different European countries, while national seminars and educational activities helped disseminate the knowledge and tools developed among stakeholders in sport and young athletes. The training sessions covered topics such as recognising the forms and signs of sexual violence, prevention and response procedures, bystander intervention, youth empowerment and awareness-raising. The project also created opportunities for dialogue and cooperation at the European level. The European Forum on Good Practices for Preventing and Combating Sexual Violence in Sport, organised in Cyprus, brought together representatives of sports organisations, public institutions, academia, law enforcement agencies, non-governmental organisations and athletes to exchange approaches to prevention, protection and support for survivors.
RISE also developed audiovisual and informational materials and promoted its messages through the #RiseEmpowered campaign, the project website, social media and the communication channels of partner organisations. These efforts contributed to raising public awareness of athlete protection, respect and zero tolerance for sexual violence in sport.
During the final meeting in Cyprus, the partners reviewed the project's implementation and achievements and discussed how the resources, educational materials, digital tools and training approaches developed could continue to be used after the funding period ended. Particular attention was given to ensuring that the knowledge and practical tools created through RISE remain accessible to sports organisations, professionals and other stakeholders. The completion of RISE marks the end of the project's funding period, but not the work it has helped advance. The resources developed remain available to the sporting community, while the experience gained and the cooperation established among the participating organisations provide a foundation for continued efforts to build a safer sporting environment.
Safe sport requires more than awareness. It requires knowledge, clear procedures, well-prepared professionals and organisations, empowered athletes, and a shared commitment to prevention. For more information and access to the RISE resources, visit: www.rise-project.org
The RISE – Rise Empowered Above Sexual Violence in Sports project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union and coordinated by Social Policy and Action Organization (Cyprus), in partnership with organisations from Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Spain.
