WADA chases approval for UNESCO-led doping convention

In other news involving WADA, Chairman Dick Pound has announced their organisation is actively following up the 30 governments around the globe in order to approve the International Convention on Doping in Sport, adopted unanimously by the General Conference of UNESCO on October 19 this year. Under UNESCO procedures for conventions, the 30 countries must ratify the Convention prior to December 31, 2005, in order for it to become effective by February 1, 2006.

"Governments have assured the sports movement that they would adopt this convention in time for it to be in force during the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino," said Pound. "This is a very important demonstration of government commitment to our partnership in the fight against doping in sport."

To encourage prompt responses from the governments concerned, Pound said WADA will create a special recognition for all countries that ratify the Convention by December 31. "We want to establish a permanent Wall of Fame in our headquarters for those countries who delivered on their promises made as early as two and half years ago and who have worked to make this Convention a reality."

WADA will request a progress report from its members at the forthcoming Executive Committee and Foundation Board meetings in November.