Story by Wellington Makonese
ZIMBABWE is stepping up efforts to combat doping in sport, with athletes, coaches and sports administrators undergoing anti-doping training aimed at promoting fair competition and safeguarding the integrity of Zimbabwean sport.
As Zimbabwean athletes continue to excel on the regional and international stage, compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations has become increasingly important.
To strengthen awareness, athletes, coaches and sports administrators gathered in Gweru for an anti-doping workshop covering prohibited substances, doping control procedures, therapeutic use exemptions, and the safe use of medication, nutrition and supplements to prevent inadvertent anti-doping rule violations.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mr Nicholas Moyo said education is the cornerstone of the country’s anti-doping efforts.
“Our objective is to educate athletes and support personnel so that they make informed decisions and compete fairly. Clean sport protects athletes’ health and preserves the integrity of competition,” he said.
Participants welcomed the training, saying it had enhanced their understanding of anti-doping regulations and their responsibilities.
“This workshop has opened our eyes to the importance of checking everything we consume. We now understand our responsibilities as athletes and the need to compete clean,” one participant said.
Another participant said coaches also have a critical role in ensuring compliance.
“As coaches, we also have a responsibility to guide our athletes. This training gives us the knowledge to ensure they avoid prohibited substances and compete with confidence,” the participant said.
With Zimbabwe targeting sustained success on the continental and global stage, anti-doping education is expected to play a key role in reducing violations, protecting athletes’ health and ensuring the country’s representatives compete in line with international standards.
