Doping control in Seychelles sports-SNADC urges federations to act decisively against doping in Seychelles sport |28 October 2006

Speaking to Sports Nation, Mr Larue, who is also the director general for Sports Planning and Policy Development within the Sports Department of the Ministry of the Arts, Culture and Sports (MACS), said that the work of the SNADC is hampered by some sports federations and associations and team managers. This is because when Doping Control Officers (DCOs) visit the different sporting venues to do random tests, they face a multitude of problems.

“It’s time for all sporting federations and associations to take their responsibilities vis-à-vis doping tests in Seychelles sports. Team managers should help clamp down on cheaters, rather than wash their hands on the issue of doping. It is the responsibility of all federations and associations affiliated to the Seychelles National Olympic Committee (Snoc), thus the International Olympic Committee and International Federations, all signatories of the World Anti-doping Agency (Wada) Codes and the Copenhagen Declaration, to take firm actions against drugs and doping in sports. All federations and associations must pronounce their position on the issue and commit themselves to take action against cheaters,” said Mr Larue.

He added that the SNADC appreciates the support it is receiving from some sporting federations like basketball and handball to name a few. However, he feels that the others aren’t doing enough to educate their athletes about the negative impacts of doping.

It is to note that doping tests were first conducted here on May 12 this year and five months since the first tests were conducted, 53 sportsmen and women have tested positive for recreational drugs like cannabis, marijuana and even opium.

More sophisticated doping tests will start next year with urine samples being sent to a laboratory in South Africa for testing.

G. G.