We believe in the power of survivors.
Athletes Empowered was the natural evolution of Gymnasts for Change Canada. Through our work with G4C, it became clear that abuse was running rampant through all sports, not just gymnastics. It also became evident that there was little practical support for the athlete victim-survivor community. Through our programs, we seek to create inclusive, safe, and healing spaces for victim-survivors to connect with others, find their voices, and make informed decisions about how to navigate their experiences.
As a victim-survivor led organization, our Athletes Empowered team brings their unique lived experiences to the work we do every day. We understand all too well the feelings of isolation, intimidation, and fear that experiences of abuse can bring. To us, empowerment means choice, consent, and control over your own experiences. Our goal is to ensure no victim-survivor feels alone and is given the safety and resources to reclaim their power.
Our program offerings are an invitation to determine the path that is right for you. Whether it’s sharing your story publicly, bringing a criminal or civil case, navigating the sport system, or finding the safety within this community to support you, we offer a confidential space for you to define how you choose to heal.
We believe that every time a victim-survivor reclaims their power, uses their voice to call for justice, or quietly takes the first step towards healing, it creates a powerful ripple that causes a cascade of change. It is through these efforts that we collectively work to create true safety in sport.
Our Mission.
In our relentless pursuit for change, we advocate for the eradication of maltreatment and misconduct in sport. Together, we call on the government, sport organizations, and individuals to investigate and dismantle systems of abuse, so we can build a safe and nurturing environment for athletes across Canada.
There is no change without healing and restoration. To that end, we also provide a network of support and resources for victim-survivors. Our programs foster healing, growth and empowerment to any athlete affected by trauma. In collectively helping our community heal, we believe we will create the ripples of change necessary to see a transformed sport system.
Our Vision.
Ripple. Wave. Tsunami.
Our vision at Athletes Empowered is to create a world where all athletes are empowered to move forward in their healing journeys and to speak out against abuse and discrimination, creating ripples within the sports community that will cause powerful waves of systemic change. Through our collective healing, advocacy, and demanding of accountability, we hope to sweep down abusive systems and rebuild the sport system into a place where all athletes can play and compete in safety.