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WADA publishes Independent Observer team report for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

io report

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published its Independent Observer (IO) team report regarding the anti-doping program of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which were held in Paris, France from 28 August to 8 September 2024.  

WADA’s IO program is an important element of its monitoring of Major Event Organizations' compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code, with IO teams providing an independent review of all aspects of the anti-doping programs as delivered at major events monitored around the globe. In addition to publishing this written report after the event, the team was also able to provide real-time feedback during the Games in a positive and collaborative way. Reflecting on the implementation of the anti-doping program at the Games, the report also provides recommendations for possible improvements to the program for future Games. 

Most of the anti-doping program of the Games was managed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in conjunction with the Anti-Doping Department of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee and was supported by the Agence française de lutte contre le dopage (AFLD). WADA’s IO team collaborated with the various organizations to help strengthen the program. The team consisted of:  

  • Mr. Diego Grippo (Argentina), President, Comisión Nacional Antidopage Argentina (Chair);  
  • Mr. Valentin Capelli (France), Manager, Sport Movement Relations, WADA (Vice-Chair);  
  • Mr. Patrick O’Leary (Ireland), two-time Paralympian (paracanoe) and WADA Athlete Council member;  
  • Ms. Rym Zerifi (Tunisia), Executive Manager, North Africa Regional Anti-Doping Organization; and  
  • Ms. Seena Omar Hatuqay (Jordan), Secretary General, West Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organization.  

Mr. Grippo said: “It was an honor to lead WADA’s Independent Observer team in Paris for the 2024 Paralympic Games. The team would like to extend its sincere thanks to the International Paralympic Committee, the Anti-Doping Department of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, and the Agence française de lutte contre le dopage for their unwavering commitment to clean sport, recognizing their invaluable contributions to delivering the anti-doping program for the Games. We also gratefully acknowledge the dedication of the staff and volunteers, whose time and effort were instrumental in ensuring the program’s success.” 

The IO team observed all aspects of the Games’ anti-doping program, including:  

  • Test distribution planning and implementation;  
  • Recruitment and training of sample collection personnel;  
  • Athlete selection, notification, and sample collection procedures;  
  • Transport and chain of custody of samples;  
  • Therapeutic Use Exemption procedures; and  
  • Results management.  

Please note that the IO team report regarding the anti-doping program of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be published in early September.