Independent anti-doping office to be setup
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday September 18, 2020 16:27
The office was previously housed under the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) but would now move to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSC).
BNOC chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho told Mmegi Sport government is setting up a
stand-alone NADO. The office is expected to increase testing. The manager for Africa Zone VI Regional Anti-Doping Organisation, Andrew Kamanga said the ministry is assisting with setting up the interim structure, which would lead to the final establishment of the NADO.
Kamanga referred this publication to MYSC. Kago Ramokate, MYSC permanent secretary, said the office is being set up under the ministry as a temporary action.
“It is an interim measure while we work on the National Anti-Doping Organisation Bill,” he said.
Ramokate said the office is expected to cost the government P1.2 million annually.
Botswana has faced doping challenges with at least six athletes testing positive for a banned substance since 2014.
The establishment of the NADO office comes at a time when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has released new regulations. WADA is also in the process of releasing the 2020 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods.
The list would be released on October 1.
WADA said, in a statement, the list is released three months ahead of the effective date so that athletes and their entourage can acquaint themselves with any modifications.
“Ultimately, athletes are responsible for prohibited substances found in their body and
prohibited methods found to have been used. Athlete entourages are also liable for Anti-Doping Rule Violations if determined to be complicit,”
WADA stated.
The statement further reads that if there is any doubt as to the status of a substance or method, it is important that they contact their respective Anti-Doping Organisation (International Federation or National Anti-Doping Organisation) for advice.
For a substance or method to be added to the list, it must be determined that it meets at least two of the following three criteria; it has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance or it represents an actual or potential health risk to the athletes and it violates the spirit of sport.