The sporting community of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is being drawn into a new regional effort aimed at making Caribbean sport safer and more supportive for athletes.

The Caribbean Guardians initiative was highlighted as the global sporting community marked World Safe Sport Day, placing greater attention on athlete protection, wellbeing and dignity.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the voice of safeguarding across Caribbean sport, with a focus on creating sporting environments where athletes can participate without fear of abuse, harassment or other forms of harm.

For SVG, the development adds another dimension to the country's efforts to strengthen its sporting system and support athletes at different levels.

Athlete welfare is increasingly becoming an important part of sports development, alongside coaching, competition and performance.

The regional initiative could also encourage greater awareness among sporting organisations, coaches, officials, parents and athletes about their responsibilities in creating safer sporting environments.

As SVG continues developing its athletes and expanding its presence in regional and international competitions, safe sport and athlete protection are becoming increasingly important parts of the country's sporting future.