Last week I was part of the European Olympic Committees – EOC event from 6-8 March in Brussels with workshops SAFEGUARDING in sports. I was so honoured to be there, to be part of all the different countries who wanted to hear the valuable insights of my story and the story of other speakers. Together with Tine Vertommen I did an interactive workshop presentation.
I spoke about the different layers of responsibility and the failure of the systems. About trauma’s and the damage. About the past and about the future. How are we going to make a change, what is our responsibility internationally and how are we going to protect the athletes to abuse and wrongdoings?
“Mind changing story”
“You’re braver than you even can imagine!”
“I’ll make sure your story is going to be heard in Norway.”
“Sometimes I am insecure in my ability to fully take on the role of safeguarding officer but thank you, Petra, for giving me the confidence, boost and extra sense of purpose.”
“You are here to change the world.”
These things I heard after the session. Just like always I told my story from my heart, but this time a little bit more nervous than usually because I it was my first time I spoke in English. But it went well, better than I expected. And I didn’t even realise how much impact my story was going to have. But it did and I am very proud of that 💗.
Just like every opportunity I tell my story to open the eyes of people. That there is a very dark side of the shiny medal. That it’s not about the medals, but about the wealth of the athletes. The wealth and protection of our kids, even when they are very talented to make it to the top. Because after all, there just humans to!
