SNADC discusses anti-doping with sports federations |08 March 2016

Officials from the Seychelles National Anti-Doping Agency (SNADC) met members of the various local sports federations and associations on Saturday to discuss issues related to doping and drugs in sports.

The minister responsible for sports, Vincent Meriton, principal secretary for sports Denis Rose and the chief executive of the National Sports Council (NSC) Giovanna Rousseau were also present at the opening.

SNADC chairman Jean Larue said the main aim of the workshop was to present to the federations and associations the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) prohibited list 2016, which came into force as of January 2016.

Updated annually, the list is one of five international standards that are mandatory for all signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code.  It designates what substances and methods are forbidden in- and out-of-competition; and, which substances are banned in particular sports.

According to the code, if a substance or method is found to meet two of three criteria (enhances performance, poses a threat to athlete’s health, violates the spirit of sport), then it could be considered for placement on the list.

Mr Larue added that they also talked about the therapeutic use exemption (TUE) which covers athletes who may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take prohibited medications.

If the medication an athlete is required to take to treat an illness or condition happens to fall under the prohibited list, a TUE may give that athlete the authorisation to take the needed medicine. Athletes and federations/associations are requested to follow the TUE application process to the letter, as many take it for granted.

Mr Larue also revealed that this year the commission will be working harder to protect clean athletes and weed out the cheats by conducting more targeted testings. It will also increase its education, information sharing and raise awareness of athletes, coaches, and support personnel.

More working sessions will be held with all the federations and associations in order to further enforce these changes to ensure that all athletes compete within the law and encourage fair play by all.

S. N.