Global Center on Human Trafficking Hosts Fourth Annual Legislative Breakfast, Spotlighting the Urgent Issue of Sports Trafficking

The Global Center on Human Trafficking convened its fourth annual Legislative Breakfast, bringing together 190 legislators, survivor leaders, experts, law enforcement, service providers, and students to examine human trafficking at the intersection of sports. The event highlighted the growing need for coordinated, long-term strategies to address exploitation occurring in, through, and around the global sports industry.

This year’s gathering united various stakeholders for a focused discussion on the gaps, challenges, and solutions related to sports trafficking. While sports are often celebrated as symbols of unity, aspiration, and human achievement, the industry also contains hidden networks of coercion and exploitation. Sports trafficking—encompassing the recruitment, movement, and exploitation of athletes as well as trafficking that occurs around major sporting events—remains a critical human rights issue requiring urgent international attention.

“This year’s Legislative Breakfast served as a significant platform to advance awareness of the broader issue of sports trafficking, underscoring exploitation occurring in and through sports—not solely during major events,” said Dr. Daniela Peterka-Benton, Director of the Global Center on Human Trafficking.

Opening remarks from Dr. Jonathan Koppell, President of Montclair State University, and Dr. Peterka-Benton emphasized the importance of identifying actionable strategies to safeguard athletes at every level of competition and to recognize the many individuals whose labor supports large sporting events.

The keynote address was delivered by Lerina Bright, Executive Director of Mission 89, a Geneva-based research, education, and advocacy organization dedicated to combating the exploitation of young athletes. Bright underscored the global dimensions of the issue and the need for international collaboration.

As part of the annual program, the Global Center on Human Trafficking presented the Wellstone/Smith Awards, honoring one legislator, one survivor leader, and one organization for their contributions to the anti-trafficking field.

• New Jersey Senator Angela McKnight received the legislative award for her extensive leadership and accomplishments in anti-trafficking policy.
• Katrina Massey, member of the Board of Directors for Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT), was honored with the survivor leader award.
• Dana Hoyes, U.S. Campaign Director for It’s a Penalty, accepted the organizational award on behalf of the international nonprofit known for its global public awareness campaigns during major sporting events.

A panel discussion further reinforced the urgency of addressing trafficking in the sports ecosystem. Panelists included Theresa Hilton (Office of the Attorney General), Lerina Bright (Mission 89), Courtney Desilet (Bluebird Resilience Consulting LLC), Dana Hoyes (It’s a Penalty), Alicia Tappan (Survivor-Led Solutions), and moderator Dr. Giselle Balfour of Montclair State University. Their dialogue highlighted systemic vulnerabilities, emerging trends, and opportunities for reform in policy and practice.

“It was an eye-opening experience, and I learned a lot. It also reinforced my desire to work within the anti-trafficking sector,” said Cory Murphy, a Montclair State University student, reflecting on the importance of student engagement in anti-trafficking efforts.

The Global Center on Human Trafficking continues its commitment to advancing research, policy, and collaborative action to combat trafficking across all sectors, including the increasingly complex landscape of global sports.