Home » SJAK president praises ADAK for anti-doping workshop, calls for similar events

SJAK president praises ADAK for anti-doping workshop, calls for similar events

by Doreen Makhandia

Sjak president, James participants during the Sjak and Adak seminar held in Mombasa. Photo Stafford Ondego

Sjak president, James Waindi addressing the participants during the the three day Adak and Sjak Anti-doping seminar in Mombasa. Photo Stafford Ondego

Even as the fight to end doping in the country continues, the number of athletes sanctioned for violation of anti-doping rules is expected to rise as the laid strategy to end the menace gathers momentum.

The government through Anti-doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) are working in collaboration of with other agencies to ensure Kenya athletes are tested for competitions both locally and internationally.

Speaking during the just ended ADAK workshop in conjunction with the Sport Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) in Pride Inn Paradise hotel in Shanzu, Mombasa County, ADAK’s head of education and research Martin Yauma said former athletes will be enlisted as anti-doping educators.

“We want these athletes to be educated in their local dialect. Perhaps this will help bring the message closer home,” said Yauma.

ADAK chief executive officer Sarah Shibutse who also graced the two-day event said the athletes are expected to be tested thrice before World Championship, Olympic Games while being advised by International Committee (IOC).

Since 2016, 192 Kenyan athletes have been sanctioned with 169 cases prosecuted and concluded.

7598 athletes have been tested from Urine, blood, ABP blood passport and blood serum samples since 2016.

Head of Ant- doping unit at Athletics Kenya Charllote Kurgoy was also in the mix.

Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum acknowledged the need for athletes to compete clean to integrate the spirit of sportsmanship.

“Sports have boosted the economy of the country and that’s why we are working with relevant authorities to bring back sanity in the sports. Media is also a key figure in this menace and that’s why we are keen to forge a working relationship with them to help spread the gospel of competing clean,” offered Tum.

National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) Secretary General Francis Mutuku said the 2024 Road to Paris Games was on course revealing that Team Kenya, will don new Nike kits.

The initial 2020 Tokyo Games honeycombs attire that drew controversy were only sold in America and Europe as they were no sufficient buyer in Africa on dollar value.

“Athletes that were to use Africa Games as a qualifier for Olympics might be forced to use other route as the games take off remain in limbo,” said Mutuku.

The Games were scheduled for August 4-19, 2023 in Accra, Ghana before they were rescheduled for March 8-23 this year.

SJAK chairman James Waindi while praising ADAK for the timely workshop, urged other entities to follow suit and support the Association.

“The numbers don’t lie. This room is full, a clear indication that the Journalists are eager for information. We want these types of workshop so that we can learn and empower ourselves but this can only be achieved when we are supported. We are also reaching out to the sport ministry through the government that they ensure the national teams going out for an International assignments, they have one two accompanying journalist. This type of arrangement will help the various teams get proper publicity, “said Waindi.

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