Other Sports
Former Canadian gymnast alleges sexual abuse by her coach
Former Canadian gymnast Abby Pearson Spadafora said on Thursday she had suffered years of abuse at the hands of Olympic coach Dave Brubaker and his wife Elizabeth and called for an independent investigation of the sport.
Pearson Spadafora said she was “physically, verbally, psychologically and sexually abused” for years and that the sport failed to protect her and others from the Brubakers.
A lawyer for the Brubakers said he was unaware of the allegations and declined to comment further when contacted by Reuters.
Pearson Spadafora, 38, said that Dave Brubaker had touched her inappropriately multiple times and climbed into bed and pressed himself against her when she was 17. She said that incident and many like it had resulted in a lifetime of trauma.
“The abuse I experienced as a child and young adult, and the Gymnastics Canada complaint process, have had a major impact on my life in a negative way,” she said in an open letter released by Global Athlete.
“I suffer from PTSD symptoms which include anxiety, panic attacks and constant nightmares. .. the damaging effects are something I will live with for the rest of my life!”
Dave Brubaker, who coached the Canadian team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, was suspended by Gymnastics Canada in 2017 after he was arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual crimes.
He was acquitted in 2019 of the charges leveled by a former student relating to alleged incidents between 2000 and 2007, when the complainant was between the ages of 12 and 20.
The national governing body then handed him a lifetime ban following an internal investigation.
Elizabeth Brubaker was also suspended in 2019 while she was an elite coach at the Bluewater Gymnastics Club in Sarnia, Ontario. Her suspension was extended until 2024.
Earlier this month, a lawsuit was filed by a group of former gymnasts alleged that Gymnastics Canada and six affiliated provincial organizations turned a blind eye to an abusive culture. [ read more ]
Athletes were subjected to threats and humiliation, and inappropriate touching from coaches while being forced to train while injured, the lawsuit claimed.
In March, a group of more than 70 current and former Canadian gymnasts called for an independent investigation into what they described as a “toxic culture and abusive practices” within their sport.
Gymnastics Canada has said it takes those claims “seriously.” The sport’s governing body did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Pearson Spadafora’s allegations.
“Today, I refuse to be silenced,” said Pearson Spadafora while calling for an independent, third-party investigation.
“I stand with every survivor and I want them to know, I believe you!
“It’s time for the Government of Canada to act.
“Over 480 athletes have come forward, but still the government has done nothing,” she added.
“Too many survivors continue to suffer because of their lack of action.”
-Reuters
History will be made in Lagos as the city becomes the first on the African continent to host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series, from October 3 to 5, 2025.
The announcement marks a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa, as the E1 Lagos Grand Prix brings cutting-edge water sport, innovation, and environmental sustainability to the continent’s shores for the first time.
Sharing the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable solutions for the future.”
He added: “It is also a celebration of the creativity and resilience that define our people. This occasion gives us the opportunity to showcase Lagos to the world as we know it: welcoming, dynamic, and determined to embrace the future with confidence.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also extended an open invitation to Lagosians and the global community to witness the groundbreaking spectacle.
“The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a chance for Lagos, and for Africa, to stand proudly on the global stage,” he said.
Traditionally renowned for its passion for land-based sports like football, Africa is now set to explore its aquatic potential as the UIM E1 Series, presented by PIF, transforms Lagos’ waterfront into a thrilling race track.
Scheduled for October 4–5, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix promises a unique blend of speed, culture, and sustainability, turning the city’s coastline into a symbol of Africa’s readiness to embrace innovation and green technology in sports.
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Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has unveiled a full-size stadium and an Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool at the Peaceville International Academy, located within the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.
The esteemed cleric was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, along with top church leaders including Pastor Joseph Obayemi; RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and the management of Peaceville International Academy led by Head of School Dolapo Fatoki.
The event was graced by several board members of the school, including Leke Adeoye, Olugbenga Omojola, Ayoola Jolayemi, Noah Osato, and Mrs Busola Ogunsiji.
Reflecting on his past, Pastor Adeboye lamented the lack of such facilities during his university days and the general scarcity of quality sports amenities across the country.
“This kind of well-grassed stadium and serene environment were not available in universities during our time. Remarkably, God has made this possible in a secondary school, showing that He is on our side,” he remarked.
He offered prayers for those who contributed to the realization of these facilities and expressed his vision for the school to become a global brand.
In her welcome address, Pastor Mrs. Adeboye, the founder of the college, described the institution as a legacy made possible by God’s support.
She thanked her husband for his unwavering support in making the school a reality and emphasized the importance of the sports facilities in moulding Godly champions.
The unveiling ceremony also featured a novelty match to celebrate Pastor Adeboye’s 83rd birthday, with him performing the ceremonial kick-off for the match between Redemption City FC and Region 1 FC. The home team triumphed with a 4-0 victory.
Head of School Dolapo Fatoki highlighted that the facilities would be judiciously used to enhance the physical well-being of students and position the school as a hub for sports development in Ogun State and Nigeria.
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Championship promotion chasers Burnley clocked up 1,000 minutes without conceding a league goal as they drew 0-0 at Preston North End on Saturday to stay third in the table.
It was Burnley’s 24th Championship clean sheet of the season and their 11th in a row — a new English second-tier record.
In 33 Championship games their miserly defence has been breached only nine times and no opposition player has scored against them in the league since Dec. 21.
Burnley keeper James Trafford has faced only 21 shots on target in achieving his 11 successive clean sheets — including two penalties which he saved against Sunderland.
Scott Parker’s side need just one more clean sheet to match the Championship record of Queen’s Park Rangers in 2010-11.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on. We’re proud of being hard to beat and if you can’t win games, don’t lose them,” Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen told the club’s website.
“We come away with a point thanks to that defensive record and being solid again here at a tough place.”
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