Peruvian Karate Federation President Condemns Sexual Harassment Case
The president of the Peruvian Karate Federation, Henry Loveday, condemned on Wednesday the case of Andry Calderón, a karate athlete who reported being a victim of sexual harassment when she was part of the institution.
"I sat down with this girl, her mother, and a group of people, and her story broke my heart. This is an unforgivable issue for all the people who have allowed this to happen," he said in an interview with Connection from RPP Noticias.
The 25-year-old woman pointed out Palmer Sánchez Tan and Jesús Armando Pinillos Haro as the coaches who harassed her from the age of 11 to 17. "She started with one karate style and to avoid the coach (Sánchez), she changed styles. And she went from bad to worse," Loveday explained.
"This is sad, she has gone through very difficult moments. I told her that even if she leaves the federation, I will continue to support her," he commented, indicating that he still leads the organization to this day.
When Andry Calderón later joined the senior team, she had Armando Pinillos as a coach. "She went from one wolf to another," he said indignantly.
Sanction from IPD
The Second Chamber of the Superior Court of Sports Justice and Honors of the Peruvian Institute of Sport (IPD) issued a resolution against Pinillos Haro on January 23.
"Given the serious nature of the offenses, the sanction of dismissal from the coaching position and a five-year disqualification from positions in the national sports system is imposed," the document states.
Regarding Palmer Sánchez, Henry Loveday, the president of the Peruvian Karate Federation, said: "I am aware that Andry Calderón's legal defense is preparing the criminal complaint in this regard. Although this case may have prescribed in criminal court, the Supreme Council has the duty to protect the athlete in administrative court."
