Government of Canada Congratulates Beckie Scott on Olympic Silver Medal
CALGARY, October 21, 2003 -- Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport) Paul DeVillers, on behalf of the Government of Canada, today congratulated Beckie Scott on being awarded the silver medal for the 5-km cross-country skiing event at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games. Ms. Scott received her silver medal from Charmaine Crooks, member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), at a special presentation in Calgary.Ms. Scott received her medal following the IOC Court of Arbitration's decision to rescind Larissa Lazutina's medal, following a positive test for the drug darbepoetin.
"Congratulations to Ms. Scott on winning the silver medal. This medal is the result of an outstanding performance following years of training, dedication, and hard work. The win is especially satisfying because Ms. Scott has been a strong and vocal advocate for eradicating doping from sport," said Secretary of State DeVillers. "The awarding of this medal demonstrates that the international anti-doping system works. It is another major step toward fair and ethical international competition."
UNESCO recently agreed to play a major role in the development of an international World Anti-Doping Convention that formalizes the role governments will play in the fight against doping in sport. UNESCO has targeted completion and implementation of the Convention on Anti-Doping prior to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2006.
"UNESCO's decision to support the anti-doping convention reflects the importance of this issue on a global scale," added Secretary of State DeVillers. "By the next winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Turin, governmental responsibilities relating to anti-doping in sport will be clearer and we will have taken another important step in the fight against doping in sport."
Information:
Mario Tremblay
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport)
(819) 953-7329
[ Media Room ]
