Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is partnering with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and the newly-formed Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) to deliver the latest installment of its Legacy Outreach Program, during the IAAF Junior World Championships in Nairobi, Kenya from 12 – 17 July.
The Agency’s Legacy Outreach Program, which is delivered during major international sports events, provides additional support to Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) in developing and delivering sustainable anti-doping awareness programs.
This partnership will raise awareness and promote clean sport to a generation of young athletes, while leaving behind an array of resources for ADAK to use again in the future.
“WADA is pleased to partner with ADAK and the Athletics Integrity Unit to bring the Legacy Outreach Program to young athletes in Nairobi, Kenya,” said Olivier Niggli, Director General, WADA.
“The Program has proven to be a great way to work hand in hand with our partners in creating global awareness of anti-doping with athletes and their entourage,” Niggli continued. “By working together and creating resources that can be leveraged time and time again, WADA’s investment has a lasting and meaningful impact,” he continued.
“Along with WADA, ADAK believes that raising awareness is the first step to building understanding,” said Japhter Rugut, CEO of ADAK. “WADA’s Legacy Outreach Program and the knowledge-sharing that this unique partnership brings is greatly appreciated,” Rugut added.
“The resources developed by WADA for ADAK will be used for this event and many other events in Kenya, in the future,” he continued.
“As a complement to values-based education, Legacy Outreach is one of the best ways to curb doping by reaching athletes as early as possible; informing them of the many anti-doping resources at their disposal; and, informing them of the channels they have to voice concerns regarding any doping that may exist within their teams or federations.”
“The AIU is pleased to partner with WADA and ADAK at one of the IAAF’s biggest events for youth,” said David Howman, Chair of the AIU. “At this early stage in their athletic careers, athletes must be fully empowered to know their rights and responsibilities and we are pleased to play our part in this regard.”
The Legacy Outreach team, which is made up of members from ADAK, AIU and WADA, will be led by athlete ambassadors Tegla Loroupe and Paula Radcliffe.
Loroupe, who is a member of WADA’s Athlete Committee, is probably best known as the first African female to win the New York Marathon; and as having led the Refugee Team at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Radcliffe, a member of the IAAF’s Athlete Committee, currently holds the world record in the marathon.
Both athletes are vocal supporters of the clean sport movement and have firsthand knowledge of the pressures surrounding doping in sport. The Outreach team will invite athletes, coaches and other support staff to take part in fun and educational activities.
They will be encouraged to complete the Play True Quiz, which is now available in 39 languages, to sign the Clean Sport Pledge and to share their thoughts on social media using the hashtag #CleanSport.
On behalf of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), Paula Radcliffe will encourage athletes to sign the AIU’s Athletes’ Pledge, through which competitors can demonstrate their commitment to clean athletics.
