News

WADA welcomes NADO announcement

Russell Langley - 12/12/2007

WADA Director General David Howman
Photo/Getty Images

David Howman, Director General of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is amongst those to have given his support to last week’s announcement of plans to set up a new National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) in the UK.

“WADA congratulates Gerry Sutcliffe and UK Sport for this very positive and decisive action,” said Howman. “The new model is based on the evolution of anti-doping that requires a strong independent anti-doping organization able to coordinate and collaborate with other entities such as law enforcement authorities to ensure an effective fight against doping in sport. WADA looks forward to supporting and working with the new agency.”

The new NADO will have additional powers reflecting the increased need to be able to tackle those behind the scenes supplying and manipulating athletes, and the necessary ability to decide whether or not an athlete has committed a doping offence and, if so, the presentation of the case against them.

David Sparkes, Chief Executive of British Swimming, is another who welcomed the news:

“British Swimming welcomes this initiative. It moves UK doping control very much into the 21st Century and we feel confident that, with the expertise currently in place combined with a clear focus, we will become one of the leading anti-doping agencies in the world.

“It’s been a long-held view that this was sorely needed in order to fight the challenge of establishing drug-free sport. With 2012 on the horizon this will be even more important and it a huge step in the right direction.”

His words were echoed by Simon Clegg, Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association:

“The British Olympic Association believes that the decision to establish a strong independent anti-doping organisation will send out a very clear message to athletes around the world that the UK is determined to be at the forefront of tackling doping in sport on the road to and beyond 2012.”

More details on the new NADO will follow in the New Year, with it being fully operational well before 2012.