The Barbados Olympic Association Inc. (BOA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization Inc. (Caribbean RADO) to continue housing that agency’s operations at the BOA’s headquarters in Wildey, St Michael.
Caribbean RADO is the body responsible for athlete drug testing and for fostering doping-free sports in the region. It coordinates anti-doping programmes in its 17 member countries promoting the harmonisation of rules, disciplinary procedures, sanctions and other measures to equip regional governments and sporting bodies with resources to combat doping in sports.
President of the BOA Sandra Osborne, who signed the MOU on behalf of the BOA said she was pleased that Caribbean RADO had decided to continue to make Barbados and the BOA its home.
“The BOA has played a pivotal role in the global fight against doping in sport by supporting the operations of Caribbean RADO since 2005 and we are inspired to continue to do so since anti-doping is integral to our mission to develop, promote and protect the Olympic values of fair play and sportsmanship,” Osborne said.
Caribbean RADO’s signatory, former Chairman, Dr Adrian Lorde said that the agency was pleased to continue its relationship with BOA. “The BOA is recognised as a beacon in the Caribbean region for its infrastructure, governance and programmes. Operating from this location supports and bolsters our mandate to lead the region’s anti-doping thrust,” said Lorde.
In return for access to Caribbean RADO’s resources, the BOA will provide that agency with accommodation and facilities for up to two employees, including information and communications technology, storage facilities for testing kits and education materials, all free of cost.
Together the BOA and Caribbean RADO have been able to increase awareness of doping in sport, highlighting the role of the individual, community and national sports federations in ensuring observance of the World Anti-Doping Code. They have also been at the forefront of transparent ethical standards of excellence in sport, on and off the field.
This MOU will cement the existing collaboration between the BOA and Caribbean RADO to strengthen the regional fight against doping in sport. (PR)
