AAG: Sports Ministry, NADC warn athletes against doping

Ahead of the 2019 All African Game in Rabat, Morocco, the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development in conjunction with the National Anti-Doing Committee, NADC on Monday held a workshop to sensitize Team Nigeria on antidoping rules.

Over 400 athletes and officials are expected to represent the country at the start of the 12th All African Games which is scheduled to run from August 24th to September 3rd, 2019 in Rabat, Morocco.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Mr Adesola Olusade while declaring the workshop open in Abuja cautioned the athletes against performance enhancing substances at the games adding that best way to address the issue of doping is through education and proper enlightenment ahead of the African Games

“Success in sports is prone to engaging in doping infractions. Doping has become a menace that threatens the survival of our sports. Cheating reward mediocre and put the genuine efforts of clean athletes at risk.”

“I therefore, urge the athletes to compete fairly and not engage in any act that could bring to naught your hard work and career. Technologies in anti-doping have significantly advanced that you can barely escape being caught,“he added.

In his remarks, a board member of National Anti-doping Committee (NADC) Dr Joel Adagadzu, encouraged the athletes to understand the importance of the workshop while urging them to do away from anything that will portray the image of the country in bad light.