New CEO brings athlete and executive experience, taking the reigns as the organization approaches its tenth year of operation

The U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center) today announced that Olympian Benita Fitzgerald Mosley has been named the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. She formally steps into the CEO role on February 1, 2026.

“It is an honor to be selected as the Center’s CEO, and it is my goal to shepherd this organization forward with a focus on service to athletes, operational excellence, and culture change in sport,” Benita Fitzgerald Mosley said. “As an athlete, I felt safe, supported, and strengthened in my career, and I am committed to helping all athletes within the Olympic and Paralympic movement feel that same sense of support. While the Center has moved the needle on athlete safety nationally, my vision is to ensure we are building an organization that athletes can believe in, the staff can be proud of, and the public can trust and respect.”

“Serving as interim CEO over the past eight months has been a privilege, and I look forward to passing the baton to a fellow athlete with the experience and commitment to lead this organization into its next chapter,” said Board Chair emeritus and Paralympic gold medalist April Holmes. 

During her time as interim CEO, April Holmes led the organization in key initiatives focused athlete engagement, including a comprehensive stakeholder engagement campaign involving multiple listening sessions with athletes, survivors, and national governing bodies, that resulted in several important process improvements. April was also instrumental in elevating the Center’s profile in the international sport safeguarding space, which will be showcased at two upcoming symposia at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“On behalf of the entire Board and the search committee, we are pleased to welcome Benita Fitzgerald Mosley as Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Center for SafeSport,” stated Chicka Elloy, Vice Chair of the Board and head of the search committee. “Benita brings a wealth of experience as both an athlete and a leader in nonprofit, sports, and business sectors. She is well-positioned to advance the Center’s mission as the organization completes its first nine years of operation and prepares for the next era.”

About Benita Fitzgerald Mosley:

• Benita Fitzgerald Mosley is an Olympic gold medalist and an established international leader in nonprofit, sports, and business sectors.
• Benita most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Multiplying Good, whose mission is to cultivate greatness through service to others through volunteerism and public service.
• Prior to Multiplying Good, Benita served as President of FundPlay Foundation and VP of Community & Impact for LeagueApps (2020-2023), a youth sports technology company.
• Prior to that, Benita served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA from 2016-2020, leveraging the power of Sport for Good to build thriving kids and communities across the United States.
• Benita served as Chief of Operating Officer of the United States Olympic Committee where she oversaw operations functions from Olympic Training Centers and Athlete Relations to Human Resources to Strategic Planning (2013-2016).
• In her previous role as USA Track & Field’s Chief of Sport Performance, Benita led Team USA to win 29 medals at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the most of any U.S. track and field team in 20 years (2009-2013).
• Additionally, Benita served on the Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics & Paralympics (2021-2024).
• A world-class athlete, Benita won a gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, making her the first American woman to accomplish this feat. She was a member of the 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympic Teams. 

Need for Abuse Prevention in Sport  

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the nation’s only independent organization dedicated to ending sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sport. The Center emerged in response to high profile cases of sexual abuse of minor athletes within Olympic and Paralympic sport in the mid-2010s. With the mission of making athlete well-being the centerpiece of the nation’s sport culture, the Center has since been setting safety policies, and receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints of abuse and misconduct. The Center also serves as an educational resource for sports organizations at all levels, from recreational sports organizations to professional leagues.

With the goal of ensuring athletes within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement are safe, supported, and strengthened, the Center:

• Establishes safety policies, including the SafeSport Code and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP).
• Investigates and resolves allegations of abuse and misconduct and levies sanctions, including temporary and permanent bans from Olympic and Paralympic Sport.
• Delivers comprehensive abuse prevention education within and outside of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
• Implements a comprehensive audit and compliance function over all National Governing Bodies (NGBs) within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement to ensure adherence to safety, abuse prevention, and accountability standards.

About the U.S. Center for SafeSport

The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 codified the U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center), as the nation’s safe sport organization. It furthered the Center’s independence while underscoring its authority to hold individuals accountable. It also charged the Center with developing policies, procedures, and training to prevent abuse and misconduct in sport.

In October of 2020, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020 became law, even further strengthening the Center’s independence and oversight functions while mandating minimum funding requirements for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

The Center opened its doors in March of 2017.

Reporting and Resources

Report here to the U.S. Center for SafeSport if you have experienced abuse or misconduct—or if you have reasonable suspicion of abuse or misconduct—inflicted by someone in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. You can also leave a message by calling the Center at: 833-587-7233.

RAINN’s 24/7 online hotline is available for crisis intervention, referrals, or emotional support at any time. You can also call RAINN at: 800-656-HOPE (4673).

The Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support at 988lifeline.org or by calling 988.

Dubai 2025 was one of the most unforgettable editions of the Asian Youth Para Games, bringing together 1,500 athletes from 35 nations in December 2025 in a celebration of youth, excellence and inclusion. 

For the second time since 2017, Dubai welcomed the region’s young Para athletes, underlining its growing role as a hub for Para sport in Asia. Over four action-packed days, the Asian Youth Para Games witnessed 25 record-breaking performances, including nine world records and 16 continental records.

Dubai 2025, which took place from 10-13 December 2025, showcased unprecedented continental depth, with 30 nations claiming at least one medal and 25 securing gold, six more than at Bahrain 2021. The results reflect the rapid growth and competitiveness of youth Para sport across Asia.

Memorable performances and historic firsts

The United Arab Emirates delivered an outstanding performance on home soil, finishing with 24 medals – seven gold, eight silver and nine bronze. 

Several nations celebrated historic milestones in Dubai. Bangladesh and the Maldives won their first-ever medals at the Asian Youth Para Games, marking breakthrough moments for both nations.

Bangladesh made a stunning debut, capturing four medals, including three gold in Para athletics and Para swimming.

The Maldives also celebrated progress, securing a bronze medal in Para swimming in its second appearance. 

Medal table highlights

Uzbekistan topped the overall medals table, finishing with 254 medals, including 125 gold, a huge increase from its previous tally of 18 medals, including 11 gold.

The Islamic Republic of Iran followed with 73 gold medals (261 medals), while Japan finished third with a total of 90 medals, including 48 gold.  

Para armwrestling was included in the programme for the first time, with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan dominating the discipline by winning eight and seven gold medals, respectively.

Meet Asia’s young stars

Dubai 2025 featured some of Asia’s leading Para athletes. Para taekwondo athlete Zahra Rahimi of Iran, who won silver in the women’s -52kg K44 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and Para table tennis player Chen Po-Yen of Chinese Taipei, who is ranked World No.1 in class 11, finished on the podium in Dubai.

Dubai 2025 also set new standards for innovation, becoming the first Asian Youth Para Games to integrate AI-powered robots into operations and delivery, including during ceremonies and medal presentations.

Dreams fulfilled

The Closing Ceremony on 14 December was a vibrant spectacle, featuring a Parade of Nations and the symbolic handover of the flag to Cambodia, host of the next edition in 2029.

Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emphasising that Dubai 2025 was more than a sporting event – it was a journey of inspiration, unity and dreams fulfilled. He also praised the volunteers as heroes of the event.

Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, hailed Dubai 2025 as one of the finest editions ever delivered, commending the UAE’s leadership, the Dubai Sports Council, the Local Organising Committee and all partners involved. 

With record-breaking performances, historic firsts and inspiring human stories, Dubai 2025 set a new benchmark for the Asian Youth Para Games. The Games highlighted Asia’s growing strength and shared commitment to empowering the next generation of Para athletes. 

Sport brings communities together and helps young people grow confidence and resilience. Through this partnership, Kaiser Permanente supports programs that guide local coaches beyond the field, helping youth stay healthy and succeed in life.

On the field

At the clinic, coaches participated in drills and exercises that put strategies into action and gave them hands-on experience to bring back to their teams. The clinic also gave coaches the opportunity to learn directly from Kaiser Permanente experts and other professionals about best practices for supporting youth athletes.

Gabrielle Ahlzadeh, MD, a sports medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park and the official medical advisor to Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, led a session covering how athletes can play longer, prevent injuries, and maintain overall health and wellness.

“Coaches shape the way young athletes experience sport,” said Dr. Ahlzadeh. “When we equip coaches with knowledge about injury prevention and health, we’re helping them create safer, more supportive environments for the team they lead.”

Our community impact

The clinic gave coaches a chance to share ideas and strategies with each other. Programs like this reflect the partnership’s commitment to expanding opportunities for youth across Southern California. By supporting the Grow the Game of Soccer Clinic Series, Kaiser Permanente provides health and wellness expertise that strengthens local communities and prepares young athletes and coaches for a brighter future.

Looking ahead

The Grow the Game of Soccer Clinic Series is the first in a series of programs planned for coaches, referees, and players ahead of the World Cup in 2026. Future events will include opportunities for youth to participate, using the power of sport to advance health, confidence, and opportunity throughout Los Angeles.

Learn more about the impact of the first clinic.

May 28, 1932 – January 1, 2026

Louise Mary (Murphy) Devaney, a devoted wife, mother, teacher, and tireless community volunteer, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 93. A longtime resident of South Dennis, MA Louise brought energy, kindness, and humor to every life she touched.

Born in Boston on May 28, 1932, Louise was the beloved daughter of Louisa (Herlihy) and William R. Murphy. She spent her early years in Belmont before the family relocated to Newton Center in 1935 alongside her parents and older brother Robert, and younger siblings Gerard and Winifred. Louise grew up in a lively household rooted in Catholic values and civic spirit.

After graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1949, she attended Framingham State College, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education. She went on to teach fourth grade in Wrentham from 1953 to 1960, a role that perfectly matched her lifelong love of children and learning.

In 1955, Louise married Alan Devaney, the love of her life. Together they built a home in Wrentham and started a family. While there, she co-founded the local Red Cross swimming program and, alongside Alan, helped establish the town’s Little League program. She also served as President of the Catholic Women’s Club and coached Wrentham High School’s award-winning cheer-leading squad.

Louise and Alan moved their growing family to South Dennis in 1968, where they raised five children and became deeply involved in the Cape Cod community. Louise embraced her role in local schools and youth sports, running the snack bar at the Dennis Babe Ruth field and serving as club treasurer for many years. She was also active in the Framingham State Alumni Club of Cape Cod, eventually serving as its president in the 1980s.

Volunteering was a pillar of Louise’s life. For over 30 years, she served with VNA Hospice, where her compassion and energy earned her the “Volunteer of the Year” award, not once, but twice. Even after retiring from hospice work, she continued giving back through the VNA’s thrift shop, where she made dear friends and lasting memories. Louise continued her volunteering even through her illness.

Louise also worked at Colonial Candle in West Dennis and later at the beloved local spot, The Breakfast Room, where she was known for her wit, warmth, and loyal friendships.

Family meant everything to Louise. She cherished holidays, traveling, attending her children and grandchildren’s events, backyard gatherings, and especially the annual “lobster fest.”

A devoted fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Boston College. She fondly recalled taking the bus in her youth to Fenway Park, where she watched legends like the great Ted Williams from the left field bleachers.

She is survived by her loving children: Lynn Felix and her husband Tony, Mark Devaney and his wife Laurie, Brian Devaney, and Jon Devaney and his wife Colleen and by her cherished grandchildren: Keenan, Cassandra, and Aidan and her sister Winifred Murphy. She was predeceased by her husband Alan, her son Bruce, her brothers Robert and Gerard, and her parents.

Louise will be remembered for her generous heart, her tireless spirit, and the laughter and love she brought to every room she entered.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Avenue South Yarmouth, MA. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17 at 10:00 AM at St. Pius X Church, Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Rt 134, S. Dennis, MA.

All are then welcome to celebrate Louise’s life at a reception at the Yarmouth House Restaurant, Rt 28, W. Yarmouth

Donations in her memory can be made to: CCHC Foundation, VNA of Cape Cod Hospice & Bereavement Support Services, PO Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601.

The service will be live-streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stpiusxsy/videos

FROM FACEBOOK__Bluffton Soccer Club has announced that Spring youth soccer registration is open for U18-U15 Rec & Travel teams.

• The deadline to register is January 31.
• Schedules will be sent to coaches on March 16.
• Games begin March 28.
• U8-U10 Riverdale Tournament is May 8-10 and the U12-U15 Bluffton Tournament is May 15-17.

Register at https://blufftonsoccerohio.com/registration/

The Goochland Sports Complex, located at 1800 Sandy Hook Road, is an eight-acre county-run facility that functions as a hub for athletics, fitness and Recreation Division operations. The complex includes a fully irrigated and lighted football field, a lighted baseball field with a grass infield, and a lighted softball field. Scoreboards, press boxes, a public address system, and a concession stand with restrooms support spectator events and organized league play.

Inside the main building the complex houses the Recreation Division’s administrative offices alongside a range of indoor amenities: a dance studio, cardio room, weight room, classroom and lounge areas, and a full-sized hardwood gymnasium. The property also features picnic tables, meeting rooms and internet access. As the county’s only public skateboard park, Skate 522 adds a unique recreation option for older youth and teens.

The Complex is a primary venue for Goochland Middle School baseball and softball and for activities organized by the Goochland Youth Athletic Association. Those partnerships underscore the facility’s role in youth development and local sports programming, where scheduling, lighting and irrigation allow for extended seasonal use and evening games. The presence of administrative offices on site centralizes permitting, programming and oversight for county recreation services.

For Goochland residents the complex serves multiple public functions: it provides structured athletic opportunities for school-aged children, outlets for adult and family fitness, and public space for weekend events and informal recreation. The combination of indoor and outdoor amenities also supports year-round programming that can contribute to public health, volunteer engagement and local economic activity tied to sporting events.

County management of the complex carries budgetary and policy implications. Maintenance needs for irrigated fields, lighting and the skate park demand consistent funding and oversight if the facility is to remain safe and available for scheduled youth athletics and community use. Residents seeking access, reservations or current hours and facility policies should consult the county Parks & Recreation page for the most up-to-date information.

As a visible municipal asset that hosts school teams and community leagues, the Goochland Sports Complex remains a focal point for civic participation in recreation planning, volunteer coaching, and attendance at local events that shape county programs and priorities.