The County government of Elgeyo Marakwet in partnership with Athletics Kenya AK has engaged hundreds of athletes on Anti-doping Workshop aimed to promote clean sport.
At least 300 participants attended the Workshop held at Iten Africa Inland Church AIC premises graced by AK President Rtd.Gen Jack Tuwei, Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) Chief Executive Officer Brett Clothier and AK regional director Barnaba Korir.
H.E Governor Wisely Rotich was represented by Sports County Executive Purity Koima.
According to Gen. Tuwei, the sensitization exercise was aimed to protect the integrity of the Sport against banned performance-enhancing drugs which have over time threatened careers.
He said going forward, the agency will be carrying out Anti-doping test at camps, homes and in the day to day activities of the athletes.
“All athletes should take utmost care of themselves and consult before consuming any prescribed substances,” said Tuwei.
Tuwei encouraged the athletes to protect the image of Iten Town saying it is an internationally recognised destination for Sports.
Mr Clothier said 40 percent of doping issues are from Kenya and the government has consequently committed to set aside money to completely eradicate the vice.
“We shall craft strategies and involve all relevant stakeholders. Police will also be involved in this to weed out culprits who mess around with our Sports,” said Clothier.
Mrs Koima appreciated the stakeholders for joining the county government in fighting against doping in the region.
“Every stakeholder in athletics field should be on the forefront to protect the reputation of the county. The fight against doping should be a joint approach with all relevant stakeholders given specific roles to undertake in order to completely eliminate this vice,” She said.
Coaches practicing in the county must also be licensed and in addition, every International athlete should have a permit of service. All the training camps and their managers should also be registered by relevant authorities, said Koima.
Athletes who addressed the meeting lauded the initiative undertaken by the county government to eradicate this menace in the county.
“We appreciate the measures underlined by AK and AIU to curb the menace. We need much sensitisation about the drugs and prevention measures,” said Asbel Kiprop, former 1500m world record holder.
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