Hoffman back from Global Athlete Forum |21 June 2018

Young local swimmer Dean Hoffman recently attended the World Anti-Doping Agency’s first Global Athlete Forum from June 3-5, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The forum brought together 104 athlete leaders from 54 countries.

Held under the theme ‘The sport we want’, the forum saw athlete leaders and leading anti-doping experts discussing the current anti-doping system and stressing the importance of the athletes’ voice being further engaged in the decision making process.

In line with Wada’s Athlete Committee’s highest priority which is to protect the rights of clean athletes, the forum enabled further development of the Anti-Doping Charter of Athlete Rights with the hope of including key principles within the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code.

After two days of discussions, some of the key outcomes of the forum were identification of corruption, conflict of interest and lack of independence as the top three concerns related to the anti-doping system, the need for leaders of sport and government to facilitate an environment that allows athletes to express their opinions without fear of retribution and also the need for more financial investment for global and national anti-doping programmes.

Speaking to Sports NATION, Hoffman said it was an enriching experience.

“This was my first forum and it was something new to me. I have learnt a lot and gained a lot of experience. Taking part in the forum has broadened my knowledge in doping, especially the Charter of Rights.

“On an individual level, I will try to spread and share the knowledge I have gained with other athletes in Seychelles,” Hoffman told Sports NATION.

R. D.