Source: www.newsday.co.tt
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs (MSYA) will educate 300 student- athletes, physical education teachers and coaches in Tobago, during their first anti-doping seminar at Rovanel’s Resort Hotel, Crown Point, Tobago, today.
As part of a nationwide education and awareness campaign, the ministry will focus on secondary school athletes, with the campaign slogan — “Be the Best…Naturally!”
The promising athletes will be educated on the health risks and career consequences of doping in sport, as well as the testing process and legal implications of such offences, according to the World Anti-Doping Code.
In 2007, Trinidad and Tobago consented to the UNESCO International Convention on Doping in Sport and as such, has certain responsibilities to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Among the responsibilities is the formation of a National Anti-Doping Organisation, which the MSYA plans to introduce after the necessary legislation is proposed in Parliament, and adopted as law.
Two leading sporting organiations, the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) and the Trinidad and Tobago Alliance for Sport and Physical Education (TTASPE), have partnered with the ministry to deliver the six part educational series.
To reinforce their message, former and current national athletes will be involved to serve as Athlete Ambassadors. They will interact with students and share their knowledge, experience and personal views on doping in sport.
Athlete Ambassadors at today’s event, are former sprinter Hydiane Harper- Simmons and 800 metre runner Sheridan Kirk.
The next seminar, for students in the Port-of-Spain District, is scheduled for February 8, from 9am at the Woodbrook Youth Facility.