In a significant milestone for Pacific sports, Lusiana Vakere, the Administration, Social Media, and Safeguarding Officer for the Oceania Tennis Federation (OTF), has successfully completed her Certificate in Safeguarding in Sports at the prestigious University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
As part of her training, Lusiana collaborated with an accomplished cohort, including her lecturer and Safeguarding Specialist Samantha Dellamarta, Sydney Lawyer Tom Macken, Lina Caccamo of the Rugby League Players Association, and Matthew Skinner of Queensland Cricket. Together, they explored comprehensive strategies and practices to ensure safe, inclusive environments for athletes across sports disciplines.
The certificate program equips professionals with the knowledge and tools to address safeguarding challenges effectively, promoting a culture of respect, protection, and inclusion. For Lusiana, this achievement reflects her unwavering commitment to the well-being of athletes, particularly within the Pacific region.
“Safeguarding is a crucial pillar in sports. It ensures that every athlete, especially the most vulnerable, can thrive in an environment free from harm,” Lusiana shared during the program.
Her newly gained expertise is poised to enhance safeguarding initiatives across Oceania’s tennis community. From protecting young athletes to fostering inclusive practices, Lusiana’s work will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the region’s sports ecosystem.
This accomplishment also underscores OTF’s commitment to professional development and setting higher standards for athlete care. With Lusiana as safeguarding lead, the Federation continues to build a safe, empowering environment for players and stakeholders alike.
Photo Caption: Lusiana Vakere (far right) pictured with Samantha Dellamarta, Tom Macken, Lina Caccamo, and Matthew Skinner at UTS during the Certificate in Safeguarding in Sports program.