National Anti-Doping Organisation Launched

“We are required to safeguard the integrity of Sports, this can be achieved by keeping banned substances away from sports” Hon. Clyde Puli said this during the official launch of the National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO), an organisation with the aim of serving as a deterrence to prohibited substances in sports.

Clyde Puli explained how in 2009, the  Malta Sports Council (KMS) was officially recognised  as the National Anti-Doping Organisation by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). Hon. Puli stated that through this, a process of updating started to align Maltese Law with laws and regulations as set by WADA. This led us to a legal notice that was published in 2011 through which NADO was officially recognised.

Following this Malta also ratified both the conventions of the Council of Europe and the United Nations regarding doping. Later on during that year the Anti-Doping Commission, Anti- Doping Disciplinary Board, the Anti-Doping Appeals Board, and the Therapeutic Use Exemptions Committee were formed within the National Anti-Doping Organisation. As of now NADO has engaged a National Co-ordinator and is in the process of engaging Doping Control Officers.

NADO has officially set up a “registered testing pool” that includes athletes at National and International levels that can be asked, at any time, to submit themselves to be tested. Test may also be carried out on any athletes participating in sports competitions. All tests will be sent abroad to be checked in WADA approved centres.

Another responsibility NADO will be taking upon its shoulder is that of education, with the aim of teaching athletes on the negative impacts substances have on the human body, and will also carry out campaigns within sport organisations to better explain the rules and procedures NADO will be following.

Hon.Puli explained how all European Governments are recognising the threats that are facing sports, and quoted the IOC president Jacques Rogge, who stated that during the past 20 years the amount of athletes who made use of illegal substances has grown from 5% to 20%

This seminar was also addressed by KMS Chairman Bernard Vassallo, the Chairperson for the Anti-Doping Commission Maria Mifsud Bonnici, the National Anti-Doping Coordinator Ignatius Zammit and other members in the NADO.