This week, members of the senior leadership of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) traveled to Birmingham, England, to attend the Sports Accord World Sports & Business Summit 2024, where they met with leaders of the sports movement and discussed plans for major upcoming events. Ta. A clean sports perspective, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 and Milan-Cortina 2026.
The annual summit convenes 1,500 sports leaders and key decision makers from more than 120 International Federations (IFs), International Olympic Committees (IOCs) and organizations involved in the business of sports. WADA President Witold Banka was also in attendance, meeting with stakeholders from around the world and updating them on WADA's activities.
Mr. Banka said: “The Sports Accord brings together leaders of the sports movement, many of whom have been integral to WADA's success since its inception 25 years ago.As we prepare for the Paris 2024 Games and Milan-Cortina 2026 Games, , it is essential that we continue to rely on the united efforts of sports federations and associations to promote the values of fair play and clean sport around the world. We look forward to their continued support in the coming months and years. depends on cooperation.
“Especially ahead of the Paris Games, I urge all international federations to make the most of the remaining time. The focus needs to be on: These weeks and months of induction are probably the time when the risk of doping is highest. Athletes arriving in Paris do so with an appropriate level of anti-doping measures in place. That is important.”
On Monday, President Banka addressed the General Assembly of the Winter Olympic Federation (WOF), outlining WOF's achievements in a number of anti-doping areas and looking ahead to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games. He also spoke to participants at the Clean Sports Workshop, organized by WADA and the IOC Recognized Association of International Sports Federations (ARISF), and urged all anti-doping organizations to implement effective anti-doping programs. He emphasized the importance of having the right tools needed. .
He said: “WADA and the entire anti-doping system depend on strong cooperation with the sports movement. We stand ready to help whenever and wherever assistance is needed. It has strengthened in recent years. This is not by chance, but by hard work, ingenuity, and collaboration. We must continue to work together and continue to move forward, always staying ahead of those who try to game the system. Anti-doping is all about partnerships. Through the dedicated efforts of sports movements, governments, athletes and many other organizations, including stakeholders in the Sports Accord, WADA is able to achieve its mission. can.”
On Tuesday, Mr. Banka spoke at the 48th General Assembly of the Summer Olympic International Federation (ASOIF), highlighting WADA's efforts to work with international testing bodies, the IOC, and international testing agencies to develop a strong anti-doping program. . International Paralympic Committee ahead of the upcoming 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
Later that day, he spoke at a forum for the Independent Association of Official Sports Members (AIMS) and United Through Sport (UTS), highlighting the theme of youth welfare and protection in sport.
“Sports have the power to bring people together in a spirit of camaraderie, healthy competition and respect. Unfortunately, these values can be undermined, especially when it comes to the abuse of minors in sports. In February, WADA released the results of Operation Refuge, an extensive analysis and investigation into underage doping in sport, which revealed deeply disturbing findings.
“Sport must remain a safe space for children, regardless of the level of competition. Empowering young athletes and their allies through education is one of the best ways to protect their well-being. WADA is leading the way and supporting through anti-doping education. Together, we can strengthen systems for young athletes around the world.”
Those the WADA President met during his stay in Birmingham included UK Anti-Doping Commissioner Trevor Pearce and Director of Operations Hamish Coffey, with whom he discussed a number of anti-doping topics. . He also spent time with the many Federation presidents in attendance.
During the summit, President Banka accepted the Appreciation Award from AIMS and UTS on behalf of WADA in recognition of WADA's contribution to the creation of UTS and its efforts in supporting the organization since its creation in 2017.
As part of Tuesday's LawAccord program, WADA General Counsel Ross Wenzel presented a legal update from WADA and answered a variety of questions from attendees. His LawAccord, one of his four expert streams that make up this year's SportAccord program, delves deep into the issues covered by the world's top sports law experts.
