“Doping Disables” Project Successfully concluded

The European Paralympic Committee project “Doping Disables” is excited to announce its success at eight European competitions during 2001.

Educational brochures in English, German and French, which were also available in Braille, tape and large text versions, were distributed to athletes, coaches, staff, and spectators. A poster board exhibition was also displayed at each event.

The exhibition highlighted some of the many risks associated with doping and reinforced the important anti-doping message. In cooperation with each country’s national doping agency the project also conducted out-of-competition and in-competition doping tests at the events. At the same time, the doping officials were informed on the specifics in doping for athletes with disabilities. In order to reach as many doping officials and experts and to educate them on the specifics of doping related to athletes with disabilities, specific seminars were held at some of the events. In addition, presentations were held at specialist and general conferences.

The general impression is that the campaign was well received over all, and that the message has reached out very widely in Europe. With the help of “The Paralympian”, the “EPC News”, by displaying the exhibition and campaign material at the IPC Congress in Kuala Lumpur as well as by handing out information at other international events, the campaign has also reached a larger international part of sports for athletes with disabilities.

Findings from the campaign have indicated that the harmonization of anti-doping policies and procedures is needed in sport for athletes with a disability. From earlier experience it seems that most positive test cases come from nations, where there is no established anti-doping policy. In response to this issue, the EPC and IPC have applied for support from the European Commission for a follow-up project. If granted, the project will include a conference aiming at facilitating collaboration between governmental and non-governmental agencies for the purpose of harmonizing anti-doping policies and procedures in sport for athletes with disabilities in Europe.

In ending, I take the liberty to use this opportunity to express a heartfelt thanks to all National Paralympic Committees and Organizing Committees, doping officials and volunteers who co-operated so well and generously with the “Doping Disables” project, helping in making it a success! A very special thanks to the Project Assistant, Ms Nanami King and the Project Med. Dr. Björn Hedman!

Remember, doping really disables, sometimes beyond repair!
Let us keep up the fight against it.

Hans Lindström, Project Coordinator