Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has underscored the importance of a strong anti-doping programme in Jamaica.
Speaking at the launch of the 2017 National Junior and Senior Championships at the Pegasus Hotel today (Wednesday), Minister Grange said that “a strong anti-doping programme benefits all of us”.
The Minister’s comments came against the background of the recent ruling in the Kaliese Spencer case that was before the Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel. She said that this ruling and other recent rulings should be taken as “opportunities to refine our procedures as part of the constant development and improvement of Jamaica’s Anti-doping programme.”
Minister Grange said she was pleased that Spencer will be eligible to compete at the National Senior Championships in her bid to qualify for the IAAF World Championships in London in August.
“Jamaica is firmly committed to upholding the rights of our athletes but we are equally committed to the fight against doping in sports.” Minister Grange said.
The Minister also expressed confidence in the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s execution of the Championships and that “the athletes will put out their best to qualify in their events for the World Championships and the World Under-18 Championships” set to take place in London and Nairobi respectively.
The National Junior Championships is scheduled to take place on June 17-18 while the Senior Championships will be held from June 23-25 at the National Stadium.
