World Anti-Doping boss to visit Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – President of the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) Craig Reedie is due to visit Jamaica on Friday for a firsthand experience of the country’s efforts to improve its drug-testing programme.

After receiving an invitation from the president of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), Michael Fennell, Reedie will spend five days on the island and is scheduled to meet with officials of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO).
Reedie, the first sitting WADA president to visit, will be presented with an update on the status of anti-doping in Jamaica, and the planned activities for 2015 and 2016.
“This is indeed a most welcome visit from the head of WADA,” declared Fennell.
“We will seize the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to doping-free sport in Jamaica.”
Reedie , who was elected as WADA boss in November 2013, is also expected to call on Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller and Sport Minister Natalie Neita-Headley.
He will address a news conference on his impression of Jamaica’s anti-doping programme on Tuesday.
Jamaica has been attempting to repair its drug-testing programme in recent years since a number of its athletes including former world record holder Asafa Powell and Olympic gold medallist Sherone Simpson, tested positive for banned substances.
Among measures taken were increases in government budget for drug-testing, and in the number of tests carried out as well as the hiring of senior executives to run the anti-doping programme.
Earlier this month JADCO announced that the country was on the verge of introducing blood-testing of its athletes.

 

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