September 7, 2011 - WADA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the ‘Fondation Internationale Olympafrica’ that will enable both organizations to maximize anti-doping educational opportunities across the continent.

The MOU was signed in Maputo, Mozambique during the All Africa Games, and recognizes “the importance of sustaining and developing sports and education and the need for partnerships in the fight against doping”.

Olympafrica is a not-for-profit organization created in the image of Olympic ideals with the specific aim of furthering educational opportunities in Africa.

President of Olympafrica, Gen. Lasana Palenfo, signed the agreement with the Director of WADA’s Regional Office for Africa, Mr. Rodney Swigelaar.

“Africa is a hugely important sporting region and we are delighted to be able to work alongside a body such as Olympafrica in a bid to spread the anti-doping message,” said WADA Director General David Howman.

“WADA currently has a large resource at the All Africa Games and we hope that through this MOU we can continue to enhance our support to the region and educate young people and coaches against the dangers of doping.”

Olympafrica currently has 19 educational centers operating in Africa, with a further 14 centers under construction.

“Our organization was set up in 1990 under the patronage of the Olympic President, and a vital part of Olympism is the ideal of fair play,” said Gen. Palenfo.

“Clean sport is fundamental to these ideals and we are confident that our new agreement with WADA will enable us to further educate young athletes in Africa on anti-doping.”

In addition to the exchange and sharing of information between the two organizations, WADA will supply Olympafrica with a range of anti-doping teaching and educational material.

“Creating partnerships is crucial in the fight against anti-doping, especially in a region that is as vast and culturally diverse as Africa,” explained Mr. Swigelaar.

“I am confident this will be a partnership beneficial to the aims of both organizations. WADA has the anti-doping expertise and Olympafrica has the facilities already in existence through its educational centers.

“Together we can make a significant effort preventing young sports people getting involved in doping.”

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