ANTI-DOPING Major Anti-Doping Event for Dublin

The Irish Sports Council is hosting the 12th Workshop of the Association of National Anti-Doping Organisations (ANADO) in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham from 17th to 18th April 2009.

ANADO is the professional association of national anti-doping agencies. With a membership of 55 it works to strengthen global anti-doping efforts through developing quality anti-doping programs. Since its establishment in 2003, ANADO has held a series of workshops to discuss topical issues of importance with the focus in 2009 on the new WADA Rules. The 2009 Annual General Assembly precedes the conference in the Royal Hospital on April 16th.

The workshop will be attended by key personnel from all of the major National Anti-Doping Organisations of the world. The main focus of the workshop will be the implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code. WADA will present an update on the continuing development of Regional Anti-Doping Organisations. The process of developing a quality program for NADOs will also be discussed. Gary O'Toole, distinguished international swimmer and a medical doctor will make a presentation on an Athlete's perspective of doping in sport.

Mr. John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council and the President of ANADO Mr Graeme Steel, Chief Executive, Drug Free Sport New Zealand will open the workshops. In opening the workshop John Treacy said "The Irish Sports Council is delighted to host this significant meeting of ANADO and looking forward to interesting and useful debate on the many important issues involved in the fight against doping in sport".

Mr Steel added "I am delighted to be in Dublin and thanked the Irish Sports Council for agreeing to host the workshop. I have no doubt that that the workshop will provide useful and practical results and enhance the excellent networking and co-operation that already exists between all the NADO's in their endeavours in promoting drug- free sport."

There will be contributions from experts from around the world during the 2 day workshop including Mr Casey Wade, ANADO Executive Director, Prof. Brendan Buckley, Chairman, Irish Sports Council, Anti-Doping Committee and Dr Una May, Manager, Irish Sports Council Anti-Doping Unit.

Prof. Buckley said" I am looking forward to the opportunity of sharing experiences and the challenges facing us all in the implementation of the new World Anti-Doping Code. "

For Further Information please contact: Dr Una May- 087 6491333