THE Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) has revealed a new mascot called Leo-The Dope Patrol Officer, which it hopes will be the symbol of encouraging athletes to compete without the help of performance-enhancing substance.Leo, who was designed by a 15-year-old Jamaican high school student, is a muscular cheetah, clad in the country’s national colours with the symbol ‘No Dope’ written across his chest. The mascot was presented at the first installment of the 2015 series of Junior Athletes Anti-Doping Education workshops held at the Jamaica Conference Centre (JCC).
The series will target a new generation of athletes, seeking to raise awareness of the dangers of performance enhancing drugs. The mascot was selected after a competition for high school students held from October 1, 2014 toApril 10, 2015.
“Leo is a welcome addition to the JADCO family. He is the epitome of ethical behaviour and will help our athletes to make informed decisions. I am sure they will be able to build a rapport with him,” Carey Brown,, executive director at JADCO, said.