Beijing, China - The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) today announced two further anti-doping rule violations, which occurred at the occasion of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Powerlifter Facourou Sissoko (-75kg) from Mali returned an adverse analytical finding of an anabolic agent, Boldenone metabolite, a substance on the 2008 Prohibited List. The urine sample was taken during the Games' out-of-competition period on 6 September 2008. In accordance with the IPC Anti-Doping Code, and after a hearing of the IPC Anti-Doping Committee, the IPC ratified the decision to disqualify Mr. Sissoko from the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. A sanction of two years ineligibility was imposed.

Furthermore, Ukrainian Powerlifter Liudmyla Osmanova (-60kg) returned an adverse analytical finding of an anabolic agent, 19-Norandrosterone, a substance on the 2008 Prohibited List. The urine sample was taken during a pre-Games out-of-competition test mission, at a training camp in Tianbei Lu, Houshayu Town, China, on 29 August 2008. In accordance with the IPC Anti-Doping Code, and after a hearing of the IPC Anti-Doping Committee, the IPC ratified the decision to disqualify Ms. Osmanova from the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. A sanction of two years ineligibility was imposed.

Both rulings are in accordance with the IPC Anti-Doping Code. The athletes can appeal the decision taken within seven days after the notification.

As a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), the IPC remains committed to a doping free sporting environment at all levels. The IPC, together with the International Federations and the National Paralympic Committees, established the IPC Anti-Doping Code (January 2004) to prevent in the spirit of fair play, doping in sport for athletes with a disability. The IPC Anti-Doping Code is in conformity with the general principles of the WADC.

To date, a total of 461 tests have been carried out at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

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Notes to the Editor:

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organizes the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for nine sports, for which it supervises and co-ordinates the World Championships and other competitions. The IPC is committed to enabling Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and to developing sport opportunities for all persons with a disability from the beginner to elite level. In addition, the IPC aims to promote the Paralympic values, which include courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

Founded on 22 September 1989, the IPC is an international non-profit organization formed and run by 162 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from five regions and four disability specific international sports federations (IOSDs). The IPC Headquarters and its management team are located in Bonn, Germany.

For further information, please contact Steffi Klein, IPC Media and Communications Senior Manager, on e-mail: steffi.klein@paralympic.org or go to www.paralympic.org and www.ParalympicSport.TV.