WADA hosts virtual forum for Latin American and Caribbean Anti-Doping Organizations

Today, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) hosted a virtual forum for Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) based in Latin America and the Caribbean. The forum, which welcomed 117 participants representing 38 countries and 41 different organizations, provided a platform for stakeholders within the region to share best practices and increase anti-doping capacity. 

During his opening remarks, the Director of WADA’s Latin America and Caribbean Office, Francisco León, encouraged the ADO representatives to view the forum as an opportunity to strengthen ties and manage anti-doping issues in the region collectively rather than in silos. 

He said: “WADA appreciates the enthusiasm and engagement that we witnessed from our Latin American and Caribbean partners who participated in the forum. Above all, its purpose was to provide an opportunity for Anti-Doping Organizations from Latin America and the Caribbean to come together as a community, and to provide them with direct access to WADA’s staff and expertise. This was the first step in establishing a model that can be replicated in years to come, which will offer ADOs a collaborative space to share their successes and find common solutions to obstacles they might be facing. 

“Our hope is that the Latin American and Caribbean region can continue to become a strong, united voice around the decision-making table. This initiative is another example of WADA’s focus on regional development and fostering strong relationships with its stakeholders. Looking ahead, this forum will serve as a bridge to the meaningful discussions we intend on having during the Americas regional symposium that will take place next year.” 

Mr. León also took the opportunity to reiterate WADA’s position regarding the proposed Enhanced Games, which would actively encourage participants to use prohibited substances and methods despite the obvious health risks of doing so.  

He said: “The Enhanced Games demonstrate a blatant disregard for the integrity of sport and will endanger the health of all participating athletes. Further, this reckless initiative sends a harmful message to young people around the world who view elite athletes as role models. I urge our partners in sports, governments and National Anti-Doping Organizations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to come together against this event and reaffirm their commitment to uplifting clean and fair competition.”   

The forum’s agenda included a variety of sessions, including: 

• An update on WADA’s key activities in the Latin America and Caribbean region; 
• A presentation from WADA Intelligence & Investigations; 
• A discussion led by WADA’s NADO Expert Advisory Group on the engagement of the Latin American and Caribbean countries; and 
• A general question and answer session. 

As part of the forum, representatives from the Autoridade Brasileira de Controle de Dopagem (ABCD) and Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) were invited to present best practice cases from events held by the two organizations. Participants were invited to engage with the cases and encouraged to extract key lessons that can be applied to future events in their own countries. 

Adriana Taboza, President of the ABCD, said: “The ABCD is honored to have had the opportunity to present our work to our counterparts from the Latin American and Caribbean region. We appreciate WADA’s initiative to organize this forum, which undoubtedly has provided value to the participating Anti-Doping Organizations.  

“ABCD is a firm believer that the Latin American and Caribbean region is stronger when united. By coming together and working collaboratively, as we have done during this forum, we can take on a leadership role in the global anti-doping community and continue to take great strides in ensuring a level playing field for athletes around the world.” 

A representative from Panam Sports was also on hand to present an update on the anti-doping program for the Asuncion 2025 Junior Pan American Games, which will be held in Paraguay this August. WADA is collaborating with Panam Sports in preparation for the Games through its Major Event Anti-Doping Legacy (MEAL) Program with a view to leaving a lasting legacy for NADO Paraguay and the region as it did at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games.