United towards a world of sport without doping was the theme of the symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency, which brought together activists from international federations, national and regional anti-doping organizations and organizers of major sports events in Lausanne, said Director of the Anti-Doping Commission Olivera Prodanović.
She emphasized that, among the 800 delegates, the symposium was attended by athletes, representatives of governments, laboratories accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), researchers in the field of anti-doping and representatives of the media.
"To help the united forces in the global mission of cooperation for sport without doping," Prodanović told the MINA agency.
She emphasized that the presence of Montenegro at such an event was extremely significant, stating that the symposium provides an insight into the latest knowledge and enables connections with important organizations.
"At the same time, it was an opportunity to see Montenegro's readiness to catch up with modern aspirations in anti-doping through the existence of the Anti-Doping Commission." Considering the potential of our athletes, it is important that anti-doping activities are also recognized," said Prodanović
According to her, the symposium enabled an interactive and practical exchange of information.
"It was an opportunity to get to know each other, and above all for further progress and learning, exploring how, together, we can further improve anti-doping for the benefit of athletes around the world." The program included many plenary sessions, as well as discussions on some of the developing innovations in the field of anti-doping," said Prodanovic.
She emphasized that the lecturers, moderators and panelists were prominent athletes, eminent experts in certain fields, representatives of WADA, from different parts of the world.
Speaking about the agenda of the symposium, she pointed out that WADA presented strategic priorities and further steps that the anti-doping community can take in supporting athletes by addressing their environment, raising the awareness of decision-makers about the importance of notification and investigation in the fight against doping in sports.
They also discussed problems related to evidence tampering, developing a data-based approach in the fight against doping, integrating the doping control officer (DCO/Doping Control Officer) into testing programs, the initial assessment of the impact of anti-doping policy on human rights and protecting privacy in the fight against doping.
The best ethical practices were also presented, with the WADA independent ethics committee, the appointment of an athlete ombudsman for the fight against doping, and the list of prohibited substances for 2023 was also presented.
"The delegates were introduced to the practical application of the new features of the athletes' biological passport, as well as the increasing role of education in the fight against doping. Everything considered leads us to the future, especially the panel Envisioning the global anti-doping system in 2030, in which Montenegro will have its place", said Prodanović.
Speaking about the activities of the Montenegrin Anti-Doping Commission, she recalled that during the tournament of the preliminary phase of the World Water Polo Cup in Podgorica, 12 doping controls were carried out on water polo players - four outside and eight at the competition itself, according to the plan of the International Swimming Federation and the International Testing Agency.
"The analyzes will be done in a laboratory in Vienna, which is accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Doping controls were carried out by certified doping controllers, following the recommendations and standards of WADA and ITA. They represent a significant contribution to the anti-doping efforts of the Anti-Doping Commission in the realization of set goals and compliance with international requirements", concluded Prodanović.
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