The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, joined the International School Sport Federation (ISF) and safeguarding experts in Suzhou, China, to deliver online abuse in sport workshops.
Engaging young athletes competing at the ISF Football World Cup (October 17 – 26), the workshops formed part of United Against Online Abuse (UAOA)’s continued efforts to strengthen digital literacy and resilience among global communities.
Across the week, thousands of 16-18-year-olds from around the world engaged in introductory UAOA workshops, delivered in five languages, that aimed to teach the young athletes how to identify online abuse, understand how it impacts sport, and the actions they can take to protect themselves online. Most importantly, the workshops delivered the message that they don’t have to deal with online abuse alone.
Video credit to the International School Sport Federation.
Ahead of the event, the FIA also welcomed ISF to its UAOA Coalition. By signing the UAOA charter, ISF, organiser of the biggest international grassroots and competitive events for school students aged from 11 to 18 years old, stands with over 80 national governments, sports, academics and technology organisations in its efforts to protect the next generation from online harms.
FIA President and UAOA Founder, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “Sport has the power to shape lives, inspire ambition, and build confidence in young people worldwide. By joining the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) Coalition, the International School Sport Federation reinforces its commitment to promoting safe, respectful digital environments for young athletes. Protecting the next generation from online harassment is both a fundamental duty of care and a critical investment in the integrity of sport.”
ISF President Željko Tanasković said: “The mental and physical well-being of young athletes is at the heart of the International School Sport Federation’s mission. Our school athletes are growing up in the era of social media, and it is essential that we give them the tools to stay informed and protected from all kind of online abuse. That is why we are delighted to join the United Against Online Abuse Coalition. Through the ISF Academy, all school athletes already follow courses on safeguarding, anti-doping and injury prevention. Adding online abuse to this curriculum strengthens our commitment to a safe digital environment for all.”
About the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) Coalition
Founded in 2023 by H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) coalition is an award-winning global initiative dedicated to combatting online abuse in sport through research, policy advocacy, and collaborative action. UAOA is endorsed by more than 80 governments, sports, academic institutions and technology organisations, and is supported by the FIA Foundation and co-funded by the European Union.
About the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 246 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
