News14 Jul 2007


IAAF Ambassadors lead Ostrava anti-doping education programme

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IAAF Ambassadors Wilson Kipketer and Marie José Pérec at the IAAF Anti Doping Outreach Programme in Ostrava (© Getty Images)

The 2007 World Youth Championships are a great learning experience for the young athletes in Ostrava.  For most it will be their first taste of international competition, it will be a time when friendships are formed, and a chance to compete against other athletes in the spirit of fun and sportsmanship.  For the majority it will also be their first introduction to the world of doping control.  Recognising that these athletes are the future of the sport, the IAAF with assistance from the Czech Anti-Doping Committee, is on hand at the competition with an educational programme on the anti-doping programme to encourage a life time of fair play and honesty.

The Outreach Programme aims to raise athlete awareness of anti-doping issues through an interactive computer quiz which is available in 16 different languages.  Athletes who play and complete the quiz have the opportunity to win some great prizes provided by Adidas and then sign a pledge of their continued commitment to compete drug free and honestly.  The pledge is hanging as a large and impressive banner in the athlete village and serves as a great visual reminder of the commitment of these young up-and-coming athletes.

On hand to assist the youth athletes with the quiz are none other than 800m World record holder Wilson Kipketer (DEN) and three time Olympic gold medalist Marie-José Pérec (FRA).  In their roles as IAAF Ambassadors, Marie-José and Wilson have been present each day at the Outreach programme always willing to provide advice to the young athletes, and encouraging them to complete the anti-doping quiz.  Their presence and achievements in the sport provide the prefect example to these youth – there is no need at all for doping, and through hard work and good training you can become a World and Olympic Champion.

Prior to the competition the athletes attending the Masterclass clinic also had a chance to learn a little about the anti-doping process.  Wilson Kipketer thought that he had finished with testing once he retired, but he was once again called upon for a test and helped talk to more than 350 youth athletes through the process, at the same time outlining what they could expect, and what their rights were if they were ever asked in the future to take an doping control test.  The athletes also had the chance to talk and ask questions of the seven other World and Olympic Champions in the room who served as role models and examples of what can be achieved without doping.

In addition to the Outreach programme and Masterclass clinic there are a small number of doping controls being taken during the competition itself.  As much as anything, this doping control is intended as an educational experience for these athletes – a time to learn and experience the procedures and regulations before moving onto a senior career where doping control is more common place.

Judging by the attendance and enthusiasm of these athletes at the Outreach Programme and their performances on the track, the future of the sport is in good hands.

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