FASANOC's Jane Wong Completes Her Safeguarding Journey

Jane was first exposed to safeguarding through her work with Team Fiji, where she saw both the opportunities and vulnerabilities facing athletes and officials in high-pressure environments. “Safeguarding isn’t just a policy, it’s a promise that every person in sport deserves to feel safe, respected and heard,” she says.

FASANOC CEO, Vanessa Kilner, encouraged Jane to explore the IOC course, which stood out for its global recognition and practical approach.

What drew Jane to safeguarding was not just the prevention of harm but the chance to build trust. “In Fiji, where relationships and community are everything, I saw how a strong safeguarding culture could empower athletes to speak up, feel protected and perform with confidence,” she explains.

The IOC program was rigorous, covering seven modules over eight months, from the basics of safeguarding and types of abuse to policy development, case management and cultural sensitivity.

Jane learned to recognize early signs of harassment and abuse, handle disclosures with confidentiality and help organizations develop safeguarding policies that fit Fiji’s unique context.

Balancing the course with her job at FASANOC and family life was a real test. Midnight online exams and managing her children’s school needs forced Jane to hone her time management. Flexible work arrangements and the IOC’s online resources were critical in getting her through. “The biggest lesson was that safeguarding is about trust, creating environments where athletes know they are protected and supported,” she reflects.

Safeguarding in sport means protecting everyone - athletes, officials, children and vulnerable adults from abuse, harm or exploitation, while promoting overall wellbeing and dignity.

In Fiji, safeguarding is still moving “from policy to practice” but there’s growing momentum. Jane points out that safeguarding is often misunderstood: “It’s not just for children or women and it’s not just about physical abuse. Emotional, sexual, financial and psychological harm, neglect and exploitation are all part of it. And it’s not the responsibility of one officer. Everyone in sport must be aware and ready to act”.

For Fiji, this work is critical. It ensures sport remains a safe, inclusive and empowering space, especially for groups at higher risk, such as young people, women and people with disabilities. By embedding safeguarding at every level, from grassroots to elite sport, Fiji can foster environments where athletes are valued and safe, not silenced or harmed.

Jane’s new qualification gives her the authority and skills to help Fiji’s sports organizations align with international safeguarding standards. She’s ready to guide National Federations in developing policies, train coaches and volunteers and build practical reporting pathways tailored to Fiji’s culture.

Her immediate plans include integrating safeguarding into team operations for upcoming Games and raising awareness through education.

Longer-term, Jane sees her new role as a way to inspire others especially women and young people to get involved. “You don’t need to be perfect, just committed. Every step you take helps create safer, more inclusive spaces for others,” she advises.

With more trained safeguarding officers, Fiji can join regional efforts to make Pacific sport safer for all.

Jane’s achievement is a step forward, not just for her, but for the whole region. “When we protect our athletes, we protect the heart of sport,” she says. “Let’s keep building a culture of safety and unity one conversation, one action, one team at a time”.

FASANOC congratulates Jane on becoming the first safeguarding officer for the Fiji National Olympic Committee and looks forward to working with her to make sport safe and welcoming for everyone in Fiji.