Young athletes learn how to Play True at Youth Olympic Games

WADA’s Play True Generation Program, which encourages young athletes, their coaches and support personnel to be leaders in promoting clean sport, launched at the 2^nd Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China last week.

The program – which targets athletes under the age of 18 - provides education on fair play values and the anti-doping rights and responsibilities of athletes.

The program has been championed by WADA Athlete Committee member and two-time Olympic champion Kirsty Coventry. The Zimbabwean swimmer has been joined by eight anti-doping experts who have interacted directly with the athletes through a series of anti-doping games and questions. Through the program, athletes have been encouraged to take part in a number of activities including the new WADA Youth Quiz (available in 34 different languages) and the Athlete Pledge, at which athletes demonstrate their commitment to clean sport by signing the pledge and making a hand print.

“The inclusion of the Play True Generation program at the Youth Olympic Games is an important step in anti-doping education,” said WADA Director of Education and NADO/RADO Relations Rob Koehler.

“It is crucial to reach athletes with these values-based messages at a young age, so that they can carry this information forward as they look to the take the next step in their athletic endeavors,” he added.

“It has been pleasing to see so many young athletes and their entourages engage with the program already this week, and we look forward to welcoming more to the WADA Play True Generation Center as the Games continue.”

WADA’s Play True Generation Center opened on Wednesday 13 August and will continue until the end of the games on 28 August.