Swimming Canada has been closely following the sexual exploitation case of former Ajax Swimming coach Matt Bell.
Bell’s ongoing suspension remains unchanged following his sentencing Monday to seven months in jail, which includes the addition of his name to the national sex offender registry, and a subsequent two years probation.
Swimming Canada suspended Bell on Nov. 11, 2015, the day the organization was informed of the charges of sexual assault, sexual exploitation and four counts of luring a person under 18 years. Swimming Canada also immediately began contacting athletes and parents who had interactions with Bell in connection with Swimming Canada national teams, tours and programs. The organization has continued to maintain open lines of communication with the various levels of law enforcement, including Durham Regional Police.
Bell will be subject to a disciplinary process at a future date to be determined pending his release from prison, at which time Swimming Canada and its provincial partner Swim Ontario and the Canadian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association would apply their respective policies.
Swimming Canada will continue to work with Swim Ontario, as well as the Canadian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association, to ensure the swimming community is safe for swimmers of all ages.
“Swimming Canada is committed to providing opportunities for every individual in our sport to reach his or her potential in fitness and excellence in a safe environment,” said CEO Ahmed El-Awadi. “While this type of case is rare it is also very serious. It had a major impact on one of our members and denied her the right to that safe environment. We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that safety for all of our members.”
Press release courtesy of Swimming Canada.
Swimming originally reported on this story when news broke in November of 2015.
Why would Swim Canada have to wait for this cretin to get out of prison for his disciplinary case to go forward. I like USA Swimming’s approach. Once it’s legally established that a coach/athlete etc committed this type of offense, they are terminated permanently from USA Swimming.
#SafeSport!!