The selection of Dutch volleyball player Steven van de Velde for the Paris Olympics has sparked significant controversy. Van de Velde, who was convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl, has been criticized by various entities. A child safeguarding charity highlighted the serious safeguarding risk posed by his participation, especially concerning contact with athletes under the age of 18. Chief Sports Writer at The Daily Telegraph, Oliver Brown, mentioned that Van de Velde's judge declared the Olympics were a shattered dream for him. Sports broadcaster Chris Skudder detailed the major morality issues surrounding this decision. Critics argue that allowing a convicted child rapist to compete sends a damaging message.
Allowing Dutch volleyball player Steven van de Velde to compete in Olympics after he raped girl, 12, sends 'damaging message', says charity https://t.co/6DaG5qInaY
The Netherlands: we're only sending one of four golfers who qualified for the Olympics to Paris because we don't believe in them. Also The Netherlands: we're sending a convicted child rapist to the Olympics to play beach volleyball. READ: https://t.co/DTsvu5I60O https://t.co/yCBkAttfKN
'Major morality issues here'. Sports broadcaster, Chris Skudder, details the controversy over a Dutch Olympian, convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl, who is set to represent his country at the Paris Olympics. https://t.co/fXUfdtXCLj
A child safeguarding charity said that "contact between a convicted child rapist and athletes under the age 18 also represents a serious safeguarding risk". https://t.co/HMme4Qkl2y
‘His Judge declared the Olympics were a shattered dream!' Chief Sports Writer at The Daily Telegraph, Oliver Brown, discusses the response to a Volleyball Player, convicted of raping a 12-year-old, being selected for the Dutch Olympic team. https://t.co/ej31vIBYgN