January 07, 2014 (Ottawa, Ontario) – The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) performed more anti-doping tests on cyclists than any other athletes during the period of July through September, 2013, including 53 in-competition urine tests and 13 in-competition blood tests as well as 24 out-of-competition urine tests and four out-of-competition blood tests for a total of 77 urine tests and 17 blood tests. View the detailed breakdown by sport here.

In its second quarter, the CCES focused on preparing athletes for the Sherbrooke 2013 Summer Canada Games and signed an agreement to lead the anti-doping program for the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games (TO2015).

In preparation for the Sherbrooke 2013 Summer Canada Games, the CCES undertook a number of measures to ensure athletes were aware of their anti-doping rights and responsibilities and that e-learning was available to all teams. The At the Games blog helped introduce athletes to anti-doping procedures and what to expect if asked to submit to doping control.

In recognition of the belief that good sport can make a great difference, the host society declared the 2013 Summer Canada Games a True Sport Event. Athletes, coaches and officials pledged their commitment to the True Sport Principles as part of the opening ceremonies. A True Sport outreach booth was also set up at the athletes’ village for athletes to learn about values-based sport initiatives. A photo challenge engaged athletes and participants to capture and share their favourite True Sport Games moments.

“By instilling the right values in athletes while they’re young, it gives them the right tools to combat unethical behaviours and pressures as they get older,” said Paul Melia, President and CEO of the CCES. “We hope to see these young athletes climb the ranks to greatness, while competing in a sport system that is fair, safe and open.”

Looking ahead to TO2015, the CCES has commenced working with the TO2015 Organizing Committee to develop and implement a large-scale anti-doping program for both Games designed to prevent, deter and detect doping. The CCES will provide anti-doping services that include the provision of anti-doping education for athletes, sample collection personnel, and the collection of anti-doping samples (urine and blood) from athletes during the TO2015 Games on behalf of the Pan American Sports Organization and International Paralympic Committee

At Games time, the anti-doping program will involve approximately 75 highly-trained doping control officers from across Canada who bring extensive experience from other major competitions, including the 2012 London and 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games. Additionally, the CCES will train and hire 30 new blood collection officers and 250 new athlete chaperones in the Greater Toronto Area.

“The CCES will use the most up-to-date anti-doping strategies to ensure the 7,500 athletes coming to Canada from 41 countries will compete on a fair and level playing field,” said Melia.

CCES workshop at the AthletesCAN forum

In September, the CCES presented a workshop at the AthletesCAN forum in Mississauga. The workshop promoted discussions around perceptions of doping in sport, awareness of doping activity and the pressures surrounding doping in sport. Information was collected and will be incorporated into future initiatives.  

Doping control program statistics

The CCES conducts testing under the Canadian Anti-Doping Program and provides doping control services for various national and international clients. The following table summarizes our activity during this quarter. Numbers include tests that are planned, coordinated, and/or collected by the CCES.

For details, see www.cces.ca/files/pdfs/CCES-MR-2013JulSepDetails-E.pdf

Fee-for-service activities

The CCES conducted 385 urine and 114 blood tests for various clients, including testing for the 2013 International Paralympic Committee Swimming World Championships in Montreal, Quebec.

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) renewed its agreement with the CCES for anti-doping services. The new three-year contract includes increased testing, a new e-learning course and opportunities for the league and teams to incorporate True Sport messaging into its activities.

Violations and sanctions

There were two anti-doping rule violations this quarter. A two-year period of ineligibility was imposed for the presence of methandienone and hydrochlorothiazide, and a one-year period of ineligibility was imposed for the presence of cocaine.

Athlete Services statistics

The CCES supports athletes subject to doping control by providing education, processing medical exemptions, and responding to substance inquiries.  The following table summarizes our activity during this quarter.

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport is an independent, national, not-for profit organization. We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country. We are committed to working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.