Secretary of State DeVillers Applauds UNESCO Decision to Proceed with Convention on Anti-Doping in Sport
OTTAWA, October 17, 2003 -- Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport) Paul DeVillers today welcomed UNESCO's decision to proceed with the development of a convention on anti-doping in sport, noting that it constitutes an important step taken in the fight against doping in sport.On October 15, the UNESCO General Conference voted to adopt a draft resolution reaffirming that UNESCO should play a major role in the preparation of an international convention against doping in sport, and that doping in sport should be regulated by means of this convention.
"Canada applauds UNESCO's decision to support the World Anti-Doping Convention. This will mean that governments around the world will be engaged in the fight to eradicate doping from sport," said Secretary of State DeVillers. "Canada looks forward to continuing to play a key role in developing the Convention that will protect the integrity and spirit of sport, and ensure that athletes have a safe sport experience."
Secretary of State DeVillers, as the Executive Board member for the Americas on the World Anti-Doping Agency, has been a strong voice in the international fight against doping in sport. Governments across Canada are collaborating with the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport to develop a revised Canadian Anti-Doping Policy to bring Canadian programs in line with the new World Anti-Doping Code endorsed in Copenhagen in early 2003.
"The Government of Canada fully supports formalizing the commitment of governments around the world toward a fair and ethical sport environment," added Secretary of State DeVillers. "This decision will undoubtedly accelerate the progress in the international fight against doping in sport."
UNESCO has targeted completion and implementation of the Convention on Anti-Doping prior to the 2006 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Intergovernmental meetings will take place over the course of 2003-04, with a final report and draft convention scheduled to be brought to the 33rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in the fall of 2005.
Information:
Mario Tremblay
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport)
(819) 953-7329
[ Media Room ]
