WIREDGOV

135/09

Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe MP, has today announced a start date of 14 December 2009 for UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), the UK’s first stand-alone anti-doping body, to assume responsibility for the UK’s national anti-doping programme. Based at Cockspur Street in central London, the new agency will be headed by Chair David Kenworthy, and Chief Executive Andy Parkinson, who will be supported by an experienced senior team, the recruitment of which is currently being finalised.

Also announced today are two new initiatives planned to be operational in early 2010; a “Drug Cheats” hotline and an Athlete Committee. The confidential telephone line will act as an outlet for anyone with information on doping or supply of banned substances in sport. The Athlete Committee will help UKAD form closer relationships with the athlete community and better understand how best to support athletes in the future.

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: “UK Anti-Doping will be up and running, as promised, by the end of the year. It is the latest step in our war on drug cheats and will ensure this country is leading the way on anti-doping. The integrity of sport must not be put at risk and fans need to be confident that the athletes they are watching are clean. With greater links with law enforcement agencies UKAD will help us catch cheats before they get to the start line.”

David Kenworthy said: “The new UK anti-doping agency has a sole focus and our aim is simple – to protect the rights of athletes to compete in drug-free sport. By working in partnership with athletes, NGBs, Government and law enforcement, we will deliver a clean sporting environment in the run up to 2012 and beyond.”

“UKAD will deliver a world class anti-doping programme in the UK,” says Parkinson. “This is a unique opportunity to significantly enhance anti-doping services in the UK and to tackle the broader threats of supply and importation of banned substances. We will continue to have a strong focus on education and information provision and ultimately aim to provide a clean sporting environment where athletes can celebrate their successes as clean competitors.”

Notes to Editors

1. UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) is the National anti-doping organisation for the UK.

2. UKAD will have responsibility for ensuring sports bodies in the UK are compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code through implementation and management of the UK’s National Anti-Doping Policy.

3. UKAD’s functions will include an education and information programme, athlete testing across more than 40 sports, intelligence management and exclusive results management authority for the determination of anti-doping rule violations.

4. Accountable to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), UKAD has a very clear remit in anti-doping in the UK, and will play a lead role in the fight against doping in sport.

5. For UKAD press enquiries please contact Caroline Hale (UKAD Communications Manager), 020 7211 5109.For DCMS press enquiries please contact José Riera, 020 7211 6971.

Contacts:

DCMS Press Enquiries and Out of hours telephone pager
Phone: 020 7211 6263
Mobile: 07699 751153
NDS.DCMS@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Jose Riera.
Phone: 020 72116971
jose.riera@culture.gsi.gov.uk