The National Anti-Doping (NADO) office together with the Regional Anti-Doping Organisation held a media training workshop this week. During the workshop, it emerged that most of the athletes test positive unaware.
The workshop was aimed at teaching the media fraternity about issues of doping and its effect on sports and athletes. Speaking during the workshop, Africa Zone VI for Regional Anti-Doping Organisation, Andrew Kamanga said the aim was to take the media through issues of prohibited substances, therapeutic use exemptions and the dangers of doping.
“There are several substances that are illegal for an athlete to use which in some cases an athlete may not be aware that they are consuming. This is why an individual must take responsibility for what they eat even if it is recommended by a doctor or even a coach,” he said.
NADO national coordinator, Fredrick Seno said the agency found it imperative to engage the media on some issues concerning doping. NADO is an independent agency that engages in key activities such as education, athlete outreach, scientific and social research among others.
“There are instances in which a banned substance may be found in an athlete's bloodstream and not be considered to be illegal. This happens mostly when an athlete has a genuine health issue and is administered medication that falls under the anti-doping list of substances. Therefore, it should be reported 30 days before an athlete competes,” Seno said.
He said doping is mostly considered or taken to enhance an athletes’ performance to better their chances at winning but it is dangerous to give the body a substance it does not need. He said health risks vary according to the drug taken, which is why it is advisable to reconsider using before going down that route.
