JADCO celebrates 10 years of commitment to the fight against doping in sport
WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018, was a significant day in the history of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO). On this day, the commission celebrated its 10th anniversary by hosting a decennial gala at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston. In recognition of this milestone, the commission hosted several commemorative activities under the theme ‘Keeping Sport Clean, Forging Better Partnerships’. The activities commenced on Sunday, July 22, 2018, with a church service, which was held at the Saint Andrew’s Scots Kirk United Church in downtown Kingston.
Speaking at the decennial gala, former minister of state in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Alando Terrelonge said: “Over the last 10 years, JADCO has performed most creditably, doing work that is crucial as one of the bodies tasked to maintain integrity in sport in the world. JADCO has proven itself equal to the task by virtue of the systems and methods that the agency has instituted, so much so, that it enjoys the respect and full confidence of the international governing body, the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA).” He further added: “Clearly, ladies and gentlemen, the success of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission over the last 10 years could not have been attained without the hard work and foresight of the board of directors, management, and staff. Minister Grange would tell you that she is happy to be the minister of sport, overseeing with pride the significant developments that have marked the path of JADCO. We wish to assure the agency that it has the full and unequivocal confidence of the ministry at this time.” REMAINING COMMITTED
Also speaking at the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission’s decennial gala, Chairman of JADCO Alexander Williams said: “Throughout the past decade, we have worked assiduously to ensure that the commission remains committed to the fight against doping in sport. Today, we would like to thank all our partners who played their part to protect clean sport in Jamaica.” He further added, “As we chart the path forward and forge stronger partnerships, I am pleased to say that our future at JADCO is promising, and the prospects for growth and advancement are endless.”
President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Dr Warren Blake said: “We are quite happy with the strides made by JADCO in its 10 years of operation, and on behalf of the JAAA, I salute all those who have contributed over the years to make this milestone possible. May JADCO continue doing the good work that it has been doing.”
Speaking on behalf of the Jamaica Bodybuilding and Fitness Association, First Vice-President Kirk Frankson stated: “I found
tonight’s celebration to be very inclusive and participatory. One of the things that stood out for me is that JADCO actually takes an approach to include all sporting associations and federations as opposed to some sporting organisations. JADCO is always available, and I think that over the last 10 years, our association has actually benefited from JADCO, with more persons becoming aware of anti-doping regulations.” WORKSHOPS
Vice-captain of Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls Vangelee Williams said: “I have benefited from JADCO through their numerous workshops. I have been to several workshops, and each time, I learn something new. Sometimes, JADCO visits our netball house and gives us sessions, and those are always fun and informative. I look forward to those workshops, and I would love to say to JADCO, ‘Keep doing your work’.”
As part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, JADCO made courtesy calls to 10 federations and associations between September and November 2018. During the month of October, the 2018 series of Junior Athletes Anti-Doping Education Workshops were held in four regions across the island. These were Kingston, Manchester, St James, and St Ann.
Additionally, the 20182019 Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission Jingle Competition was launched at the first in the series of Junior Athletes AntiDoping Education Workshops, which was held at the Jamaica Conference Centre (JCC) in Kingston on October 3, 2018. This was followed by the annual Senior Athletes Anti-Doping Education Workshop, which was also held at the JCC on November 17, 2018. On this occasion, participants were engaged in a panel discussion that focused on keeping sport clean in Jamaica.
The celebrations continued on January 24, 2019, when the commission took another step to improve the relationship with its stakeholders by focusing on forging better partnerships at its fifth annual Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission Symposium. The event was also held at the JCC. The celebration of JADCO’s 10th anniversary will continue during 2019.