WADA publishes Independent Observer team report for the 2023 Pan American Games

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published its Independent Observer (IO) team report regarding the anti-doping program of the 2023 Pan American (Panam) Games, which were held in Santiago, Chile, between 20 October and 5 November 2023.  

WADA’s IO program is an important element of its compliance monitoring of Major Event Organizations, with IO teams providing an independent review of all aspects of the anti-doping programs as delivered at major events around the globe.. In addition to publishing this written report after the event, the team was also able to provide real-time feedback during the Games in a positive and collaborative way.  

Most of the anti-doping program of the Games was operated by Panam Sports in conjunction with the local organizing committee, the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) of Chile and the Pan American Regional Anti-Doping Organization (PAN RADO). WADA’s IO team collaborated with the various organizations to help strengthen the program. The team consisted of:  

• Juan Lauria (Argentina), Manager, WADA Latin America Office (Chair);   
• Federico Perroni (Uruguay), Manager, WADA Latin America Office;   
• Maria Fernanda Carraca de Alcantara Frias (Brazil), Testing Manager, Autoridade Brasileira de Controle de Dopagem (ABCD);  
• Clare Egan (USA), WADA Athlete Council member, International Biathlon Union Athlete Commission Chair and two-time Olympic biathlete; and  
• Natalia Chaparro (Colombia), Investigator, WADA Intelligence and Investigations. 

Mr. Lauria said: “It was a privilege to lead WADA’s Independent Observer team in Chile for the 2023 Panam Games. The team would like to thank Panam Sports, the local organizing committee, the Chile NADO and PAN RADO for their strong commitment to clean sport and recognize the dedication in delivering the anti-doping program for the Games. We would also like to recognize the dedication of the staff and volunteers whose time and effort were invaluable to the effective delivery of the program.” 

The IO team observed all aspects of the Games’ anti-doping program, including:  

• Test distribution planning and implementation;  
• Recruitment and training of sample collection personnel;  
• Athlete selection, notification, and sample collection procedures;  
• Transport and chain of custody of samples;  
• Therapeutic Use Exemption procedures; and  
• Results management.  

In addition to featuring the strengths of the program, the report also identifies a number of recommendations and best practices for Panam Sports to consider for future Panam Games and other major events.