ASADA and the Australian Olympic Committee combine to train 500 future Olympians
About 500 of Australia's future Olympians will get a lesson in anti-doping rights and responsibilities through a joint education initiative being conducted by ASADA and the Australian Olympic Committee.
ASADA CEO Aurora Andruska said that Australian Olympians would be among those presenting at six compulsory education sessions being held prior to the start of the Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) on Wednesday.
The sessions will focus on the doping control process, inadvertent doping, and the risks associated with supplement use.
"We will be aiming to conduct an undisclosed number of tests across the sports being held at the festival, so it is imperative that these young athletes have an understanding of the risks and repercussions of doping," Ms Andruska said.
Dual Olympic rower and medallist, AYOF Ambassador, and previous AYOF competitor, Kim Crow said that it was extremely important for young athletes to learn about anti-doping at this point in their career.
"Drug education is not only about understanding why it is important to uphold the values of clean sport, but also about the importance of being vigilant in understanding what medications can be taken, when they can be taken, and by who.
"Even over-the-counter medications can be banned for athletes, so early education is important to ensure that, what may be an honest mistake, doesn't lead to a doping penalty," Ms Crow said.
Along with the education sessions, any team member, support staff or international participant can expand their anti-doping knowledge through ASADA e-Learning, available on the website www.asada.gov.au
