WADA launches new e-learning course ahead of Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced the launch of ADEL for Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games (the Games), a new e-learning course that was developed in collaboration with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to educate Para athletes, guides (for athletes with vision impairment), and coaches on the anti-doping rules for the Games.

The course is available on WADA’s Anti-Doping Education and Learning (ADEL) platform in English and French (with additional languages available upon request 1).  The Spanish version of the course will be published in the coming weeks. 

Those taking the new course will gain an understanding of the Games’ anti-doping rules, procedures, and requirements, including how to check medications and apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). The course also covers the risks associated with supplement use; the Whereabouts information Para athletes are required to provide; and athletes’ rights and responsibilities during the testing process. Para athletes, coaches, and guides will also be informed of key information such as important dates and which organisation has jurisdiction over them during the Games period.

In response to athlete feedback regarding the ADEL course for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, this course has been revamped and enhanced. Working with Paralympic athletes to test this version has also led to further improvements to its accessibility, such as better compatibility with screen readers.

Having access to event-specific education in advance of the Games is a key principle of the International Standard for Education (ISE), and the collaborative development of the course demonstrates the ongoing commitment of WADA and the IPC to deliver on that principle.

WADA Director of Education, Amanda Hudson, said: “Preparing athletes in advance of the Paralympic Winter Games is a shared goal that WADA and the IPC take seriously. It is critical that Para athletes and their support personnel have opportunities to learn about the anti-doping rules and program in place at the Games as part of their pre-Games preparation.

"We are grateful to the IPC for their collaboration on the development of ADEL for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games–an education solution that can be used by the anti-doping community to educate all those aiming to attend the Games. WADA strongly encourages any Anti-Doping Organization that is engaged with Paralympic sport to use this course as part of their education efforts.” 

Jude Ellis, Head of Anti-Doping at the IPC, said: “The IPC is pleased to collaborate with WADA once again to deliver the ADEL e-learning course for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. This course provides Para athletes and their support team with important Games-specific anti-doping information to help them compete clean.

"Education is a core component of the Games’ anti-doping program, and it is critical that Para athletes initiate the learning process long before they arrive in Milano Cortina. We encourage National Paralympic Committees, National Anti-doping Organizations, and Regional Anti-doping Organizations to promote this course to ensure that all athletes, coaches, and other support personnel are properly educated.” 
 
Completion of this course, which includes a certificate for those who achieve a score of 80 per cent or higher, is highly recommended. 

Note:  

1 ADOs interested in translating the course can request to do so by following the instructions.