Last week, UK Sport and Sport England published the Whyte Review; an independent report they co-commissioned, to examine allegations of mistreatment in the sport of gymnastics.

The review was co-commissioned following a number of deeply concerning reports about the treatment of gymnasts, from grassroots through to the elite end of the sport, with a view to understanding the experiences of those gymnasts and determining any required change.

In a joint statement, Sport England's Tim Hollingsworth and UK Sport's Sally Munday said:

The gymnasts' experiences shared in this Review are harrowing and distressing to read. No-one in sport should ever be subjected to such abuse.

The report concludes the sport of gymnastics is already undergoing change for the good. At this time, our intention is to continue to fund British Gymnastics, as we believe that withdrawing funding would not only prevent them from implementing the vital changes outlined in the report but also negatively impact on the support to and wellbeing of gymnasts now.

Following the publication, we will now be taking the time to review the report's implications in greater detail and will publicly share plans for further change later this year."

James Payne, Senior Development Officer and Safeguarding Lead for Children and Young People at Active Suffolk says:

"The publication of the Whyte Review has exposed incredibly disturbing and unacceptable details of physical and emotional abuse suffered by young athletes.

Active Suffolk wants to reaffirm its continuing commitment to ensure that all participants accessing sport and physical activity in the county can do so in safe welcoming and inclusive environments.

It is imperative that everyone involved in the sector ensures that safeguarding is and remains their top priority. Active Suffolk will continue to support, offer guidance and communicate opportunities for further education and learning to organisations in Suffolk."

Active Suffolk ensures the welfare and safety of everyone is of paramount importance and that all are protected from harm and abuse across all levels of their work. The release of the Whyte Review coincides with the review and publication of Active Suffolk's Safeguarding Responsibilities document which can be viewed at https://www.activesuffolk.org/safeguarding

To view the Whyte Review click HERE

To read the joint statement from Sport England's Tim Hollingsworth and UK Sport's Sally Munday in full, click HERE