Law and Order in the Village

 

 

GWANGJU – Members of the Young Reporters’ Programme were taken on a tour of the Athletes’ Village by SU Manager Jing Zhao. The Village is quite an impressive, the accommodation facilities which looked up to par, a very functional medical center and also information areas. Catching the attention was the Center for Sexual Assault and Harassment.

This center according to the Volunteers Yeung Sug Chae and Janghwan Choi who are in charge of this office, believes that this is an essential department in any adult competition. This center is a place where athletes could go to file a report of any form of Harassment either by a fellow athlete or official. Janghwan Choi said that though it is not a therapeutic center, they do indeed serve as an intermediary to both acclaimed offender and offended, and if results are not satisfactory then the case is tried in court under the Korean Law.

According to Yeung Sug Chae though no claims nor papers have been filed at this Summer Universiade. The center is entirely independent and would make its decisions without involving a whole delegation if ever such claim came, that they would try to settle the issues between the involved but with an option of the court. “Currently no claims have been filed and compared to the recent Asian Games, I believe the athletes are more careful and don’t want distractions from their sports. When asked on how awareness for this is created she replied, “We have information about the office and its functions in every room and elevator in 7 languages.”

The Duo of Yeung Sug Chae and Janghwan Choi who are currently in the employ of the Gwangju Universiade are actual counselors so are more than qualified for the position they hold.

Also there to maintain order is a mobile Police Unit from the Gwangju Police, they patrol the grounds making sure that everything is in place and also to ensure the security of the athletes and its visitors in the Village.

 

Chidiebere Ezeani (NGR), FISU Young Reporter