Sigulda sports school dismisses coach over inappropriate texts

A coach at a sports school in Sigulda was dismissed after sending inappropriate messages expressing sexual interest to a minor student, LSM reported. The coach acknowledged sending the texts and said he had been drunk and regretted it.

The school’s director, Karina Putniņa, said she learned about the messages from another teacher whom the girl trusted. After seeing their content, the director summoned the coach to discuss the matter. He confirmed he had sent them, and the school immediately ended his employment.

Inga Eizengrauda, head of the Methodological Management and Analytics Department at the Children’s Protection Centre, said the case could involve grooming and potentially amount to violence by an adult. She said it should be reported to the police for assessment.

The coach told Latvian Television that he regretted his actions and believed his career was over. His name and sport were not disclosed to avoid identifying the minor who received the messages.

The school director acknowledged that she had not filed a report with the police or informed the education administration. She said she believed the school had done what was needed to protect the girl. Oksana Vanaga, head of the Sigulda Municipality Education Department, said the director had tried to do what she could based on the information available, but the proper steps had not all been taken because the police had not been notified in writing.

LSM reported that police are receiving more reports of suspected sexual harassment of minors and other inappropriate interest in children, but that people still need to understand the importance of officially reporting suspicious cases.