Anti-doping session for Kumuls

An anti-doping education session was conducted for the PNG Kumuls and support staff in the lead up to the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

The PNG Sports Anti-doping Organisation, in partnership with Sports Drug Testing International, carried out the session, which was conducted by three ‘Play True Pasifik’ anti-doping educators in training: Dr. Bernie Amof, Ilaita Gigimat and Richard Ora, including OSEP coordinator, Alurigo Ravusiro.

PNGSADO session covered Kumuls’ rights and responsibilities in relation to anti-doping, what to expect when required to undergo an anti-doping test, how to maintain “whereabouts” information to avoid sanctioning, advice on medications, supplement risks and illicit drugs, and prohibited lists of substances and methods.

PNG elite athletes are strongly urged to stay away from drugs as it was proven at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where weightlifter Dika Toua picked up the gold medal after her Indian counterpart failed the drug test.

PNGSADO has also been requested to provide six male chaperones to assist the drug control officers from Sports Drug Testing International (SDTI) carryout drug testing during the three Kumuls’ World Cup matches in Port Moresby later this month.

Every athlete must be reminded that the consequences of anti-doping rule violation are so severe and could ruin their reputation and end their sporting career.

Furthermore, it could cost their team where the sanctions could range from a warning to fines, points deduction, and cancellation of a result or disqualification from the tournament.

The take home message as imparted to the Kumuls from PNGSADO was “KNOW THE RULES, COMPETE CLEAN, STAND PROUD”.

Author: 
Sophie Yaruso