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Experts discuss current and future strategies at WADA Symposium

2013-03-27 17:30 WADA

March 26, 2013 - On the occasion of WADA’s annual Symposium for Anti-Doping Organizations, 310 anti-doping experts from all corners of the world met in Lausanne, Switzerland, on March 19 and 20, to discuss anti-doping strategies and the future of the fight against doping in sport.

The theme of the ninth edition of the Symposium, ‘Ten Years of the World Anti-Doping Code, Ten Years into the Future – The Need for New Strategies to Enhance the Fight against Doping’ had representatives, in particular, from International Sport Federations (IFs), National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) and Regional Anti-Doping Organizations (RADOs), as well as Major Games Organizers, share experiences and ideas through presentations, roundtables and break-out discussions.

“The Symposium continues to grow in popularity year after year. It has become a major date on the calendar for anti-doping experts from all over the world to interact, brainstorm collectively and share their views on the current and future state of the fight against doping in sport,” said Frédéric Donzé, Director of WADA’s European Regional Office and IF Relations. “This year’s Symposium proved to be a very good occasion for anti-doping organizations to discuss ways forward and recognize the need for the anti-doping community to think creatively and implement new, additional strategies to further enhance the efficiency of its work.”

During the two-day Symposium, participants introduced and addressed key priorities and developments in the global anti-doping environment with an emphasis on better practice and efficacy of anti-doping programs. In particular, participants discussed proposed changes and issues related to the ongoing review of the World Anti-Doping Code and the International Standards.

A significant portion of the Symposium was devoted to providing guidance on the implementation of anti-doping strategies intended to supplement current tools, including the use of investigations and intelligence, as well as the implementation and further development of the Athlete Biological Passport.

The Chief Executive Officer of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, Travis Tygart, shared his organization’s experience and the lessons learned from the recent investigation of the US Postal Service Pro Cycling Team.

Participants also heard from former German cyclist Jörg Jaksche, who gave a detailed report of how he avoided detection while engaging in doping activitiesbetween 1997 and 2007 and suggested various approaches to enhance the fight against doping.

“Anti-doping practices need to become more effective as the challenges become more sophisticated,” said WADA Director General David Howman, who addressed participants with an opening speech. “First-hand testimonies such as those shared by Jörg and Travis will help us all become smarter in the way we conduct our daily work to protect clean athletes.”

The 2014 edition of WADA’s Symposium for Anti-Doping Organizations will be held on March 25 and 26 in Lausanne.

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