Germany Establishes Zentrum für Safe Sport to Strengthen Athlete Protection and Integrate Para Sports

On July 9, 2026, the federal government of Germany, along with several states including Nordrhein-Westfalen, officially founded the Zentrum für Safe Sport e. V., an independent organization dedicated to protecting athletes from interpersonal violence in sports. The inauguration took place at the Federal Chancellery, marking a milestone in efforts to close protection gaps against sexualized, psychological, and physical violence within organized sports.

Andrea Milz, State Secretary for Sport and Volunteering in Nordrhein-Westfalen, emphasized the importance of creating fair and trustworthy conditions for athletes, stating, "Those who expect high performance must ensure the best possible circumstances for them." The center aims to complement existing support services by offering an independent reporting office, managing investigations and disciplinary processes, and assisting sports organizations with prevention and intervention initiatives. Strategic oversight will be jointly managed by federal and state governments, with initial funding provided at the federal level.

In parallel, the German Disabled Sports Association (DBS) welcomed the additional investments planned in the 2027 federal budget to boost high-performance sports, particularly emphasizing the inclusion of Para sports within these frameworks. Idriss Gonschinska, DBS chairman, highlighted the imperative to firmly anchor Paralympic sports in new funding structures arising from the Sports Promotion Act and the establishment of a high-performance sports agency. He noted that recent successes and rising visibility of Para sports underscore its growing importance within German sports.

Marc Möllmann, DBS Performance Sports Director, underscored the need for reliable, sustained funding to ensure planning security and success in upcoming Paralympic competitions. The increased investment is also expected to improve infrastructure, sports facility accessibility, and youth sports, fostering inclusion and social cohesion alongside competitive excellence.

Together, these developments reflect Germany’s comprehensive approach not only to safeguard athlete welfare through the Zentrum für Safe Sport but also to promote inclusive support for Para sports as part of its broader strategy for sports integrity, quality, and international competitiveness.