ParalympicsGB athletes back UK Anti-Doping's call for more education

Paralympians Ali Jawad and Emma Wiggs are among the athletes backing UK Anti-Doping’s ‘Clean in Quarantine’ campaign as part of Clean Sport Week 2020.

The campaign, now in its fourth year, is being supported by a range of National Governing Bodies (NGBs), sports organisations and UK sports stars, who are taking part in several online activities focusing on anti-doping education throughout the week, 18-24 May 2020.

Based on research conducted by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), Clean Sport Week is encouraging those in sport to celebrate clean sport and continue expanding their anti-doping knowledge. Furthermore, UKAD is calling for athletes to adopt practices into their day-to-day lives that will reduce the risk of violating anti-doping rules.

ParalympicsGB is fully committed to clean sport with every athlete who competes at Summer and Winter Paralympic Games being tested in the build-up and an athlete education programme emphasising the integrity of the team.

Ali Jawad, Paralympic Silver medallist, said: “I have been lucky enough to compete over the past 15 years all over the world and I have had anti-doping education at those competitions and for me UK Anti-doping is gold standard, one of the best in the world.

“Being a British athlete makes me very proud we have that here but also I am even more proud to contribute to it myself as a UKAD educator. We are very lucky to have such a great education team to go out and educate our athletes.”

Penny Briscoe, ParalympicsGB’s Tokyo 2020 Chef de Mission, added: “We know Paralympic athletes have the power to inspire and unite the nation with their thrilling performances during the Games. That is why it is vital the public continue to have confidence ParalympicsGB applies the very highest standards when it come to the integrity of all the athletes who make up the team.

“Our zero tolerance of any anti-doping violations is one of the cornerstones of these values and we are delighted Paralympic athletes are backing this important initiative.”

Through a number of online events, the ‘Clean in Quarantine’ campaign for Clean Sport Week, will promote UKAD’s online education programmes including Coach Clean, which is now available free online.

The campaign will also see social media videos from several UK athletes and coaches featured on UKAD’s channels as they back ‘Clean in Quarantine’ while social distancing during the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown across the UK.

Nicole Sapstead, UKAD’s Chief Executive, said: “The Covid-19 crisis has impacted sport on many levels, but our Clean in Quarantine campaign is highlighting ways that athletes and coaches can maintain their commitment to clean sport during lockdown.

“UKAD’s free education resources are vital tools in maintaining integrity and public confidence in sport when it returns. We’re calling on athletes and coaches to access the information they need to protect themselves and clean sport.

“We’ve seen on social media how well athletes and coaches have adapted to life in lockdown. Making a few changes to incorporate anti-doping practices into their daily routine is equally achievable.”