WADA appoints UKAD to lead Anti-Doping Taskforce ahead of Rio 2016

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced that UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) will act as the secretariat for an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Pre-Rio Anti-Doping Taskforce in the build up to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The primary objective of the Taskforce is to identify potential testing gaps around the globe across all Olympic sports, working alongside existing NADOs’ pre-Games testing programmes.

Under the leadership of the IOC and management of WADA, the operational activities of the taskforce will be carried out by UKAD, Anti-Doping Denmark (ADD), Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA), Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) and the South African Institute of Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS).

UKAD Chief Executive Nicole Sapstead said: “UK Anti-Doping is delighted to have been asked by the World Anti-Doping Agency to be the secretariat for the pre-Rio Anti-Doping Taskforce.

“This is an important step forward for global sport and the protection of clean athletes. It is an opportunity for International Federations and National Anti-Doping Organisations to collaborate to ensure pre-Games testing programmes are targeted, meaningful and effective.

“It's the first time something like this has been done. Global cooperation is a vital aspect of protecting clean sport and developing a level playing field for all athletes.”