ParalympicsGB complete Sochi 2014 pre-Games prevention programme
Monday 3 March 2014 - Every British athlete competing at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi has received education from UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), as part of UKAD’s pre-Games prevention programme.
The programme aims to prepare a clean ParalympicsGB for the Sochi Games, through a combination of education and risk-based testing.
UKAD has worked in partnership with the British Paralympic Association (BPA) and the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) to deliver workshops from the ‘Clean Sport, Clean Games, Clean Conscience’ programme. These sessions provide athletes and athlete support personnel with a comprehensive understanding of anti-doping best practice and each individual’s responsibility towards clean sport. ParalympicsGB athletes will have access to information and support during the Games-time period, including online advice and 24-hour contacts.
In addition to education, UKAD carried out an integrated risk-based testing programme to ensure that tests were administered on athletes and sports with the highest risk of doping. This approach places an emphasis on the use of intelligence to inform decision-making.
Minister for Sport Helen Grant said: “Education and testing are both vital tools in the fight against doping in sport. UKAD and the BPA have left no stone unturned in educating every ParalympicsGB athlete and their support staff ahead of Sochi. Drug cheats have absolutely no place in sport and we want to do all we can to promote clean sport.”
British Paralympic Association CEO Tim Hollingsworth added: “We are proud of our work with UKAD and we are committed to anti-doping as a fundamental area of athlete education. It is great to know that every single ParalympicsGB athlete has received information on their responsibilities and on best practice."
“We want every British Paralympian to be able to focus on their performances in Sochi in the knowledge that they have done everything possible to be best prepared, and this includes ensuring that their anti-doping routines and awareness are as up-to-date as they can possibly be.”
UK Anti-Doping Chief Executive Andy Parkinson added: “It is essential that every athlete representing ParalympicsGB in Sochi understands the risks of doping and their responsibility towards clean sport."
“In the run up to the Paralympic Games, UKAD has been working alongside the sports and BPA to ensure athletes and athlete support personnel are equipped with all the information they require to have a clean Games.“
