Kenya intensifies fight against doping with initiative named 'Education Working Group'

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ATHLETICS Kenya intensifies fight against doping with initiative named 'Education Working Group'

Abigael Wafula 06:58 - 20.05.2023

This is due to the spiraling cases that have seen the country remain in Category A (having the highest doping risk) in the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules.

Athletics Kenya, the Athletics Integrity Unit, and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya have joined forces to develop an initiative called the Education Working Group to aid in the fight against doping.

The committee held a three-day strategy development and planning meeting this week to ensure they hit the ground running in good time.

This is due to the spiraling cases that have seen the country remain in Category A (having the highest doping risk) in the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules. The latest case was on world 10km record holder Rhonex Kipruto shortly after the suspension of compatriot Nicholas Kosimbei.

The meeting included a day-long workshop with elite athletes like Commonwealth Games 800m champion Mary Moraa, former world javelin champion Julius Yego, Wiseman Were and Dan Kiviasi to represent all disciplines.

Athletes offered suggestions on what education programmes they would like to see being offered and to whom those programmes should be directed.

Meanwhile, during the meetings, consultations with other stakeholders in athletics including coaches, managers, medical personnel and family members were also held to help tackle the doping crisis.

The Education Working Group will now present its proposal to the Steering Committee and immediately start delivering education courses for high-priority target audiences.