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