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WADA signs memorandum of understanding with the Central European Anti-Doping Organization to collaborate on anti-doping program development
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The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Central European Anti-Doping Organization (CEADO) to collaborate on specific anti-doping program development activities, beginning with a project involving the Eastern Europe Regional Anti-Doping Organization (EERADO).
CEADO is a partnership of eight National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) from Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia that work together with the main goal of supporting and strengthening the anti-doping system in the region.
The MOU, which has been signed by WADA Director General Olivier Niggli and CEADO Chairman Michael Cepic, requires the two organizations to meet regularly and, as necessary, discuss areas of collaboration that are of a mutual interest. The EERADO project is of particular importance this year as this Regional Anti-Doping Organization is set to disband at the end of 2021 after 13 years of good work. The closure of EERADO comes as its member countries’ NADOs are now in a position to operate independently, allowing WADA to redirect resources to other regions of the world where there is a greater need. This project will enable EERADO members to benefit from ongoing guidance and support as they further develop their national anti-doping programs.
WADA Director General, Olivier Niggli, said: “The global anti-doping system relies on collaboration between various stakeholders, and this MOU between WADA and the Central European Anti-Doping Organization will boost the anti-doping work being carried out between National Anti-Doping Organizations in Europe. The first project with CEADO will provide a comprehensive training and development program for a range of Eastern European countries, helping them to operate effectively outside the Regional Anti-Doping Organization network. Through projects such as this, WADA is assisting the development of innovative anti-doping strategies for those countries that need it most so that the global system is strengthened overall. I thank the leadership of CEADO for their readiness to cooperate in this way, ultimately delivering more effective programs for the protection of clean sport.”
CEADO Chairman, Michael Cepic, said: “The Central European Anti-Doping Organization was founded with the intention of collaborating and sharing experience between its eight members and to work on common projects in various anti-doping areas for the benefit of athletes. We appreciate WADA´s invitation to support Eastern European countries in their common goal to establish independent and World Anti-Doping Code-compliant Anti-Doping Organizations.”
EERADO Director General, Temur Ukleba, said: “This project enables anti-doping managers to get acquainted with the structural development and good governance of Anti-Doping Organizations within this region. It will also offer advice and guidance in relation to legislative and other regulations, effective implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code, guidelines, technical documents and educational platforms, as well as challenges faced by each country. We think this model is an excellent example of successful cooperation on anti-doping issues between countries with different capabilities.”
WADA created the RADO Program in 2004 to build or strengthen anti-doping capacity in parts of the world most at need. The program supports less resourced NADOs and National Olympic Committees acting as NADOs with funding, training and ongoing anti-doping assistance. It currently assists 15 RADOs that include 131 countries across the world.