RADOs contribute to London 2012 anti-doping program and assist regional games

The Regional Anti-Doping Organizations (RADOs) were well represented at the recent Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

Doping Control Officers from the Gulf States and Yemen RADO (Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman), Central Asia RADO (Kazakhstan), South East Asia RADO (Malaysia and Philippines) and the Caribbean RADO (Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda) were selected by the London Organizing Committee (LOCOG) to be a part of the doping control team at both Games.

In addition, representatives from the Caribbean RADO (Suriname), Africa Zone IV RADO (Cameroon) and the Africa Zone V RADO (Kenya) served as members of WADA’s Athlete Outreach Program.

RADO representatives brought a unique perspective to their various roles and the experienced gained during the Games will be transferred back to their respective countries and regions for all to benefit.

The Southeast Asia RADO Office, which recently moved to Singapore, has hired a Director General to manage its activities. The RADO recently issued its first newsletter and is now focusing on the development of an Athlete Outreach Program for the 2013 Southeast Asia Games, scheduled for December 2013 in Myanmar.

This program will be funded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through its Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport.

Many RADOs are applying to this UNESCO fund to help implement various regional anti-doping programs and activities.

The RADO Program continues to receive support from the governments of Australia (for the Oceania RADO) and Japan (for Asia RADOs). In addition, the Korea Anti-Doping Agency is supporting the attendance of DCOs from Central Asia to one of its upcoming DCO training workshops in November.

The work of the RADOs has contributed to the overall fight against doping in sport. To date there are 15 RADOs involving 121 countries. More information on the RADOs is available on the WADA website.