The SAFE COMBAT project has been awarded the Best Presentation at the European Sport Congress 2025, held in Lille, France. The winning presentation was delivered by Renata Falcão, a researcher at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences (Belgium), who represented the project consortium, including the European Judo Union (EJU) as one of its key partners.
The SAFE COMBAT project focuses on safeguarding and promoting a safe environment in combat sports and martial arts, with the aim of ensuring that all participants, from grassroots to elite level, can train and compete in conditions that prioritise respect, wellbeing, and ethical practice.
Renata Falcão expressed her gratitude upon receiving the award:
“I am truly honoured and proud to have received the award for Best Presentation at the European Sport Congress 2025. This recognition reflects the collaborative effort and dedication of all our partners involved in the project. I am grateful for the opportunity to share our work and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on safeguarding in combat sports and martial arts!”
The recognition highlights the growing importance of safeguarding initiatives in sport and underlines the commitment of the project partners to develop evidence-based tools, training, and resources to promote safe participation.
As an active partner, the EJU continues to support the SAFE COMBAT project in its mission to strengthen awareness, education, and implementation of safeguarding principles across the judo community and beyond.
Author: EJU Media