What Is CPISRA and What Do We Do?
CPISRA is the leading international sports organisation governing and promoting sport and recreation for Cerebral Palsy (CP) and related neurological conditions. CPISRA aims to provide and promote opportunities for recreational sport and activity, the development of grassroots adaptive sport, and devise platforms for regional and international competitive and elite sport. CPISRA is a founding organisation of the Paralympics and one of only four International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled (IOSD) recognised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to represent impairment groups.
Our vision: All people who have Cerebral Palsy or related neurological conditions have the opportunity to benefit from and participate in sport and recreation throughout the World
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The CPISRA World Games 2018 was a great success and fantastic experience for our athletes. CPISRA can thank enough the Local Organising Committee ( Catalan Sports Federation fro Persons with Cerebral Palsy), Sant Cugat City Council and the Games partners. Also a huge thank you to all team personnel, officials, volunteers and spectators for without you there would be no Games.
Sant Gugat, Spain welcomed 600 participants from 30 countries around the World to the Games with a wonderful opening ceremony. The highlight being a high wire act with ninety percent of the performers being people with Cerebral Palsy. Mr Carlos Munoz; President of Catalan Sports Federation for people with Cerebral Palsy and Stephen Miller MBE Stephen; multiple Paralympic gold medallist and Chair of the CPISRA Athletes Committee, opened the Games.
In the 40 year history of the CPISRA World Games, this is only the 2nd time that they have been held outside of the United Kingdom, and is the first time that they have been held in Continental Europe. CPISRA’s mantra of Opportunity, Development and Participation was well and truly reflected in this year’s programme as it is the broadest offered to date. The week showcased world class competition in para-athletics, para-swimming and under-19 CP football. As well as this, the CPISRA World Games development sports programme provided a Camp and Competition format for boccia, wheelchair slalom and female CP football to help improve skills and introduce international competition. The Agitos Proud Paralympian programme , run alongside the games, providing leadership training as well as education workshops for all. And completing the multi-dimensional Games programme the CPISRA General Assembly was held; enabling delegates to be part of this exceptional Games programme.
The Games finished not with a Closing Ceremony but with a Games Celebration party. For in addition to performance and results, the Games was also about making friends, embracing new cultures and enjoying the experience. May many of the athletes have built friendships that will last a lifetime.
In successfully delivering the broadest programme ever, this Games has lifted the CPISRA World Games to new a new level. To which great credit and thanks is given to the LOC for having the courage and commitment to make it happen.
The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) and Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote and encourage CP sport in the Asian region.
The MoU was signed by Asian Paralympic Committee president Mr. Majid Rashed and CPISRA president Mr. Peter Drysdale during the CPISRA General Assembly in Sant Cugat, Barcelona, Spain. The General Assembly was held during the CPISRA World Games and it was with great pleasure and appreciation that CPISRA welcomed Mr. Rashed to the CPISRA World Games Opening Ceremony and the General Assembly.
According to the agreement, both the parties will collaborate to increase the community awareness. sport and competition opportunities for athletes with cerebral palsy or other neurological conditions. To increase the awareness of the Paralympic Movement and Para Athletes in Asia; to educate and support the classification system for CP Athletes; to increase training and education opportunities for CP Athletes, Coaches, Technical Officials and Classifiers; and to develop CP sports in various methods in the Asian region.
The agreement, which is effective from the date of signing for a period of four years, is a follow up of Mr. Drysdale’s visit to APC headquarters in Dubai in early June when they discussed and sought APC’s co-operation in promoting the sport in Asia and holding possible events together in future.
Commenting on the association, APC president Mr. Rashed said:
"This is a big step towards promoting and developing CP sport in Asia. I hope that together with CPISRA, we can help grow the sport with our commitment, determination and encouragement. I am overwhelmed to see the enthusiasm and determination of the athletes here at the World Games and believe that through this agreement, we will be able to strengthen the platform for the athletes in Asia as well. I congratulate the entire CP fraternity for this day and wish good luck to the athletes for their events at the Games."
CPISRA and Member News
RaceRunning Animations
The University of Edinburgh has produced two informative RaceRunning animations as part of their project to research suitability of animation in communicating research findings. The aim of the animations is to expand the potential audience reach and impact of such research and to more effectively convey and engage people beyond the research community.
The research currently being carried out by the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with CPISRA has produced two animations, the first describing What Is RaceRunning and the second detailing RaceRunning Physiology Research currently being carried out.
Access the videos on the RaceRunning section of the CPISRA website or on the links below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y94t8HqISyA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-tjxVzGWbU&t=3s
We hope you enjoy the videos!
RaceRunning makes a very successful debut at the World Para Athletics European Championships. 20 RaceRunning athletes from 7 countries competed at the Berlin WPA European Championships in August, 2018. With 14 athletes competing in the combined RR2/3 class and 7 athletes in the RR1 class.
RaceRunning makes a very successful debut at the World Para Athletics European Championships. 20 RaceRunning athletes from 7 countries competed at the Berlin WPA European Championships in August, 2018. With 14 athletes competing in the combined RR2/3 class and 7 athletes in the RR1 class.
Our congratulations to all athletes that competed and contributed to great debut.
Our congratulations to all athletes that competed and contributed to great debut.
Below are the entries and results.
The CPISRA World Games 2018 was a great success and fantastic experience for our athletes. CPISRA can thank enough the Local Organising Committee ( Catalan Sports Federation fro Persons with Cerebral Palsy), Sant Cugat City Council and the Games partners. Also a huge thank you to all team personnel, officials, volunteers and spectators for without you there would be no Games.
Sant Gugat, Spain welcomed 600 participants from 30 countries around the World to the Games with a wonderful opening ceremony. The highlight being a high wire act with ninety percent of the performers being people with Cerebral Palsy. Mr Carlos Munoz; President of Catalan Sports Federation for people with Cerebral Palsy and Stephen Miller MBE Stephen; multiple Paralympic gold medallist and Chair of the CPISRA Athletes Committee, opened the Games.
In the 40 year history of the CPISRA World Games, this is only the 2nd time that they have been held outside of the United Kingdom, and is the first time that they have been held in Continental Europe. CPISRA’s mantra of Opportunity, Development and Participation was well and truly reflected in this year’s programme as it is the broadest offered to date. The week showcased world class competition in para-athletics, para-swimming and under-19 CP football. As well as this, the CPISRA World Games development sports programme provided a Camp and Competition format for boccia, wheelchair slalom and female CP football to help improve skills and introduce international competition. The Agitos Proud Paralympian programme , run alongside the games, providing leadership training as well as education workshops for all. And completing the multi-dimensional Games programme the CPISRA General Assembly was held; enabling delegates to be part of this exceptional Games programme.
The Games finished not with a Closing Ceremony but with a Games Celebration party. For in addition to performance and results, the Games was also about making friends, embracing new cultures and enjoying the experience. May many of the athletes have built friendships that will last a lifetime.
In successfully delivering the broadest programme ever, this Games has lifted the CPISRA World Games to new a new level. To which great credit and thanks is given to the LOC for having the courage and commitment to make it happen.
The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) and Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote and encourage CP sport in the Asian region.
The MoU was signed by Asian Paralympic Committee president Mr. Majid Rashed and CPISRA president Mr. Peter Drysdale during the CPISRA General Assembly in Sant Cugat, Barcelona, Spain. The General Assembly was held during the CPISRA World Games and it was with great pleasure and appreciation that CPISRA welcomed Mr. Rashed to the CPISRA World Games Opening Ceremony and the General Assembly.
According to the agreement, both the parties will collaborate to increase the community awareness. sport and competition opportunities for athletes with cerebral palsy or other neurological conditions. To increase the awareness of the Paralympic Movement and Para Athletes in Asia; to educate and support the classification system for CP Athletes; to increase training and education opportunities for CP Athletes, Coaches, Technical Officials and Classifiers; and to develop CP sports in various methods in the Asian region.
The agreement, which is effective from the date of signing for a period of four years, is a follow up of Mr. Drysdale’s visit to APC headquarters in Dubai in early June when they discussed and sought APC’s co-operation in promoting the sport in Asia and holding possible events together in future.
Commenting on the association, APC president Mr. Rashed said:
"This is a big step towards promoting and developing CP sport in Asia. I hope that together with CPISRA, we can help grow the sport with our commitment, determination and encouragement. I am overwhelmed to see the enthusiasm and determination of the athletes here at the World Games and believe that through this agreement, we will be able to strengthen the platform for the athletes in Asia as well. I congratulate the entire CP fraternity for this day and wish good luck to the athletes for their events at the Games."
CPISRA last year undertook a valuable research study looking at developing recreational opportunities. Findings showed that if there were more opportunities to introduce individuals to sports and recreation, or gave them different sports and recreation experiences, this would increase participation.
Calvert Trust is based in Keswick, England within the National Park of the Lake District has been chosen as the pilot location to host the first recreational camp for CPISRA.
The Lake District Calvert Trust provides residential outdoor activity courses for people of all ages with physical, sensory, learning, behavioural and/or mental disabilities. Its mission is to challenge disability through outdoor adventure. Pioneering equipment adaptations, and intensive, instructor-led activity programmes (that include climbing, abseiling, canoeing, sailing, horse/trap driving, archery, orienteering and paragliding), provide an environment whose aims are to teach, challenge, motivate, engender confidence in ability, promote independence, and foster integration. All instructors are highly trained and specialist qualified, and the facilities are specially adapted and fully accessible to all. The Lake District Calvert Trust provides a unique and life-changing experience for those with disabilities, who are encouraged to believe that it’s what you CAN do that counts.
Julie and Lauren summed up the intensive introduction weekend at Calvert Trust exceeded both, Julie and Lauren’s expectations for the weekend. For someone like Julie who has CP and had enthralled of the adventure began from childhood was utmost impressed with the facilities. The high calibre of staff and expertise of the Calvert Trust has to offer ensures everyone regardless of the complexity of the disability, Calvert Trust is well placed to cater all groups and sizes. Calvert Trust will give individuals to challenge their disability in the outdoor.
We are seeking interested participants to attend the first CPISRA recreational camp in 2019.
If you would like more information about CPISRA recreational camp in 2019, please contact Julie or Lauren on: julie.mcelroy@cpisra.org or lauren.milstead@cpisra.org
Britt Sorensen, the Danish Marathon RaceRunner speaks to CPISRA. Please click on the following link to read of Britt's amazing marathon achievements. Britt Race Runs the Distance
Registrations for the Inaugural International Outdoor Recreation Camp is now open! The camp will be held on Monday 23rd September 2019 - Friday 27th September 2019 at the Calvert Trust Lakes District, in England. The camp will include 4 nights and 3 full days of activities and include a mix of individual, group and social activities. The emphasis will be on team activities, making new friends, building self-confidence, challenging what you think is possible and breaking boundaries through outdoor adventure. This inaugural camp is for adults (18+) with cerebral palsy and related conditions and you will be challenged to activities such as rock climbing, orienteering, canoeing, an assault course and much more. All activities and accommodation are fully accessible. Please contact lauren.milstead@cpisra.org for more information and to register your interest.
View the camp flyer here
Congratulations to Ramon Storm, RaceRunning coach at Rotterdam Atletiek, for being nominated for a #BeActive Local Hero Award 2018 in the Netherlands. Read more about RaceRunning in Roterdam, Ramon and the #BeActive Local Hero award here.
81 athletes representing 11 countries gathered at Frederiksberg Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark from 8th to 15th July for the 22nd RaceRunners Camp & Cup. During the first three days, a RaceRunning Camp was held. In these days there is a chance for joint training and knowledge-sharing between the athletes and coaches from the participating nations.
People come all over the world to attend the RaceRunners Camp & Cup. Australia was represented in the Camp & Cup for the first time. 9-year-old Arran Keith from Sydney became the first RaceRunning athlete to compete internationally for Australian. Arran is keen to develop RaceRunning in Australia and we very much hope it does.
For the first time, a training course in RaceRunning was completed with three coaches who all received a lot of skills to take back home to Norway, the Faroe Islands and Mexico. It was a success that will be continued.
A big thanks to Frederiksberg Sports Union and Frederiksberg municipality for always supporting the annual RaceRunning Camp & Cup. This event would not be possible without the amazing volunteers and sponsors.
At the event there were 18 world records set , including 11 age group world records. A full list of the world records set at the RaceRunners Camp & Cup can be found here:
WR_-_RaceRunners_Cup_2018.pdf
WR_-_RaceRunners_Junior_Cup_2018.pdf
With the CP World Games 2018 fast approaching, representatives from the CPISRA Executive Committee and the World Games Athletes Committee recently visited Sant Cugat, Spain to review preparations and facilities. Particular emphasis was given to the World Games Athletes Committee reviewing and providing feedback and suggestions from the athletes' perspective. All participating felt the visit had been very positive and excitement is now building towards the Games.
During the visit the City Council of Sant Cugat hosted a press conference to highlight their important partnership with the Local Organising Committee (FECPC) to deliver the CPISRA World Games, but also to seek local volunteers to get involved.
On the first day of the 2 day visit, the CPISRA Executive Committee and World Games Athletes’ Committee were taken on a tour of the different sport venues that will be used during the Games.
Centre d’Alt Rendiment (CAR) - Athletics, Para Taekwondo & Swimming
CAR which will host Para Athletics, Para Swimming and Para Taekwondo was the first part of the tour. The main goal of the High Performance Sports Centre of Catalonia (CAR) is to support the sport with the highest technical and scientific quality resources. CAR was created in 1992 when the Olympic and Paralympic Games were celebrated in Barcelona.
Multiple Paralympic gold medallist swimmer Richard Oribe and his coach Javier , checked out the 50m Olympic pool and warm-up pool, providing some great tips to the LOC.
Multiple Paralympic gold medallist field athlete Stephen Miller and CPISRA Head of Development Craig Carscadden MBE, completed a review of the athletics track and field areas, noting recent upgrades that have been made and advising the LOC on further details to make the games a success.
GB Para Taekwondo Athlete, Samantha Carrington, was very impressed with the facilities that will host the World Taekwondo Poomsae competition, with everything in place for a great games.
La Guinardera - Boccia & CP Football Training
La Guinardera sports complex was created in 2004 to host the future city of sports in Sant Cugat. This venue will host Boccia and be a training venue for CP Football.
Rachel Miller, an international Boccia classifer and coach, thought the facilities were great for the Boccia Camp and Competition.
Jaume Tubau Stadium - CP Football Competition
Jaume Tubau Stadium was created in 2001, and not only hosts a football field but also has 2 sports courts, 2 paddle courts and 2 gym rooms.
The IFCPF World Cup U19 will be held here, with great facilities for players, officials and spectators.
Rambla del Celler - Female CP Football, Para Table Tennis & Wheelchair Slalom
Rambla del Celler is a sports complex in the city centre of Sant Cugat; formed of three sports pavilions and a gym with a swimming pool.
The three pavilions will host Female CP Football, Para Table Tennis and Wheelchair Slalom as three of the development sports in the world games.
For more information on CP World Games venues go to CP World Games Venues
On the final day the CPISRA Executive Committee and World Games Athletes’ Committee had separate and joint meetings to discuss the site visit and to provide feedback to the LOC on ensuring the games are a great success but also athlete centred. Bringing all of the representatives together, everyone felt that the weekend had been very positive and excitement is now building towards the games
An introduction to RaceRunning Coaching workshop will be held in Edinburgh, Scotland on Saturday 29th April 2018. The course will be delivered by RaceRunning Scotland supported by CPISRA member Scottish Disability Sport. Click on the following for the course flyer: RaceRunning Coaching Workshop
This workshop is designed to give participants knowledge of RaceRunning, athlete training and running bikes.
It will help you to identify potential athletes, how to deliver athlete training and understand how to adjust bikes.
The workshop is delivered in a classroom in a practical manner with participants having the chance to see and speak with athletes.
Resources: Hand out on coaching techniques and bike set-up.
Who for: Coaches and volunteers who are interested in/already working with RaceRunning athletes.
For more information and to register your place please contact: info@cpisra.org
Danish RaceRunning Pioneers Mansoor Siddiqi and Connie Hansen were last week rewarded with The Minister for Culture’s Parasport Prize 2017 (Kulturministerens Parasportspris) in recognition of their great effort inventing and promoting RaceRunning nationally and abroad. Siddiqi and Hansen are both looking forward to continuing this effort.
2017 will be a memorable year in the history of RaceRunning. Only a few months after a record breaking huge RaceRunning WC in Copenhagen the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced that RaceRunning per 1st of January 2018 would be recognized as a World Para Athletics discipline. For the very first time RaceRunning will be an official medal discipline at the World Para Athletics European Championships in Berlin this summer.
And last week as the Danish Sports Year 2017 was being celebrated in Herning and on Danish National Television the two RaceRunning Pioneers Mansoor Siddiqi and Connie Hansen were awarded the prestigious prize The Minister for Culture’s Parasport Prize 2017:
- It was a fantastic evening in Herning and we have received so many positive reactions and congratulations since then, Connie Hansen says.
Watch Connie and Mansoor receiving their award by clicking on the following link. Its a must watch video!Receiving Award
A Milestone for RaceRunning
Connie Hansen and Mansoor Siddiqi are both former elite athletes who have won several Paralympic medals and enjoyed many great moments in sports. Nevertheless, 2017 has been something special for both of them:
- RaceRunning has become our lifework. 26 years ago when we invented RaceRunning I had absolutely no imagination what was laying in front of us. I am not even sure that I would have chosen this path. It has been a struggle, an Odyssey, but this Parasport Prize really tells us that we have reached a milestone, Connie Hansen says.
- It has been a very important year for RaceRunning. Many new countries are adapting the sport and in countries like Sweden and Holland the sport of RaceRunning is growing at a rapid speed. The future looks bright and in 2018 this development is only going to continue. I hope that RaceRunning will be a part of the Paralympic programme in 2028 – if not earlier, Mansoor Siddiqi says.
100.000 Danish kroner donated to RaceRunning for children and youngsters
Connie Hansen and Mansoor Siddiqi were nominated for the Minister for Culture’s Parasport Prize by Handicapidrættens Videnscenter (Danish Disability Sport Information Centre) and Spastikerforeningen (Organisation for the Spastics). The two other nominees were the Para taekwondo World Champion Lisa Kjær Gjessing and the leader of Dansk Døve-Idrætsforbunds (Danish Deaf Sports Federation) Joachim Thor Krøyer.
The prestigious prize comes with 100.000 Danish kroner (approximately 13.400 €). Mansoor Siddiqi and Connie Hansen are going to spend the money promoting RaceRunning among children and youngsters:
- We are very determined that the prize money should benefit our young athletes. We need even more children and youngster to become parasport athletes and choose and active lifestyle, Mansoor Siddiqi says.
In July the RaceRunning Camp & Cup will once again take place in Copenhagen and in August the world’s best RaceRunning athletes will be participating in the World Para Athletics European Championships in Berlin.
Photo (left to right):
Mansoor Siddiqi, Danish Minister for Culture Mette Bock and Connie Hansen.
Other News
Montreal, 21 September 2018 – Yesterday, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) issued a media release related to the reinstatement of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) as compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), subject to strict conditions.
Meeting in the Seychelles upon the invitation of the National Sports Council of the Seychelles, WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) primarily focused on this key decision. However, the ExCo also took other important decisions related to Signatory compliance with the Code, science and medicine, and other matters.
Compliance
As it relates to compliance, given that the underlying condition triggering the potential non-compliance of the International Boxing Association (AIBA), namely RUSADA’s non-compliance, was removed, the ExCo approved WADA’s independent Compliance Review Committee’s (CRC’s) recommendation that no further action be taken against AIBA in respect of the awarding of its 2019 Men's World Championships to Sochi, Russia. AIBA was, however, reminded of its obligation, moving forward, to comply scrupulously with the requirements of the new Article 20.3.11 of the Code.
The ExCo also approved the CRC recommendation to give four months, starting yesterday, to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Anti-Doping Committee (DPRK ADC) to correct its outstanding non-conformities. If the DPRK ADC fails to meet that deadline, WADA will make it automatically non-compliant without the need for further decision by the ExCo.
Science and Medicine
The ExCo approved the 2019 Prohibited List of Substances and Methods (List), which will be published by 1 October 2018 and come into effect on 1 January 2019. While the amendments from the current List are minimal, every effort will be made to ensure that the changes are clearly communicated via numerous channels to stakeholders.
The ExCo also approved the re-accreditation of the South African Doping Control Laboratory (SADoCoL) in Bloemfontein. The SADoCoL’s WADA accreditation had been suspended in 2016 due to non-compliances with the WADA External Quality Assessment Scheme. Since then, the laboratory successfully completed the required technical and administrative steps of the accreditation process as established in the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL).
As it relates to scientific research proposals, funding was approved for a total of 18 recommended projects. Of those, 14 projects are to be supported by the 2018 grant research budget (USD 1,203,450) and four projects will be covered by the IOC/Governments special research fund (USD 527,000).
In addition, the meeting approved a minor modification to the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemption (ISTUE), which will come into force on 1 January 2019, and approved the Technical Document for Athlete Passport Management Units (TD-APMU), which will come into force on 1 March 2019.
While the above outlines the key decisions of the day, it should be noted that WADA Director General (DG) Olivier Niggli opened the meeting by providing updates on a range of topics, including the ongoing work of WADA’s Governance Working Group, which will report to the Foundation Board at its next meeting in November.
The DG also presented an extensive document, which outlined an analysis of the main issues encountered in the Russian doping crisis, and a summary of the actions that WADA has taken in light of the issues that have led to a strengthened WADA and global anti-doping system. The ExCo supported WADA Management’s proposal that the Agency would now revisit its 2015-19 Strategic and Operational Plan.
The 12-member ExCo is WADA's ultimate policy-making body, which is composed equally of representatives from the Olympic Movement and Governments.
Montreal, 20 September 2018 – Today, the great majority of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) Executive Committee (ExCo) decided to reinstate the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) as compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), following comprehensive deliberation of a recommendation by the Agency’s independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC). This decision is subject to strict conditions.
Nine members of the ExCo voted in favor of the CRC recommendation; two (WADA’s Vice-President and Oceania) voted against; and one (Europe) abstained.
Meeting in the Seychelles upon the invitation of the National Sports Council of the Seychelles, the ExCo deliberated at length as to whether Russian authorities had fulfilled the two remaining criteria of the agreed RUSADA Roadmap to Compliance, namely:
That the responsible authorities for anti-doping in Russia must publically accept the reported outcomes of the McLaren Investigation; and
That the Russian Government must provide access for appropriate entities to the stored samples and electronic data in the former Moscow Laboratory, which are sealed off due to a Federal investigation.
On 13 September 2018, the Russian Minister of Sport wrote to the WADA President, agreeing to accept the two remaining conditions in the Roadmap as set out in the WADA President’s letter of 22 June 2018.
At today’s meeting, the CRC’s analysis of the Minister’s letter was discussed.
As it relates to the first criterion, the Chair of the CRC, Jonathan Taylor QC, explained that the letter from the Russian Ministry of Sport sent to WADA on 13 September 2018 amounts to an acceptance of all of the findings of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Schmid Report (which itself endorsed the core findings of the WADA-commissioned McLaren Investigation reports), including that “a number of individuals within the Ministry of Sport and its subordinated entities" were involved in the manipulations of the anti-doping system in Russia. The Russian Ministry of Sport’s letter states: “The Russian Federation fully accepted the decision of the IOC Executive Board of 5 December 2017 that was made based on the findings of the Schmid Report.”
The ExCo resolved to reinstate RUSADA, subject strictly to the following post-reinstatement conditions:
RUSADA and the Russian Ministry of Sport must procure that the authentic Information Management System (LIMS) data and underlying analytical data of the former Moscow Laboratory set out in the WADA President's letter of 22 June 2018 are received by WADA (via access to the data by an independent expert agreeable to both WADA and the Russian authorities) by no later than 31 December 2018.
RUSADA and the Russian Ministry of Sport must procure that any re-analysis of samples required by WADA following review of such data is completed by no later than 30 June 2019.
In addition, as per the RUSADA Roadmap to Compliance, a successful audit of RUSADA must be carried out within four months to ensure RUSADA continues to meet compliance standards.
These conditions are critical requirements under the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS), which came into force on 1 April 2018. If they are not met, then the ExCo will consider proposals from the CRC to address such non-compliance based on the relevant provisions of the ISCCS.
As part of WADA’s Compliance Monitoring Program, additional measures will be applied, which are designed to ensure that RUSADA is effective, robust and independent in its operational decisions and activities; that it demonstrates good governance, accountability and transparency; and that it operates in an environment that is free from undue external influence. These additional monitoring measures will include, in particular, the continuation of the presence of a WADA-commissioned Independent International Expert at RUSADA’s headquarters and of a WADA-approved Independent International Expert on RUSADA’s Supervisory Board; close cooperation with WADA; regular reports to WADA and public reporting of key RUSADA activities; as well as potential additional audits.
WADA President Sir Craig Reedie said: “Today, the great majority of WADA’s ExCo members decided to reinstate RUSADA as compliant with the Code subject to strict conditions, upon recommendation by the Agency’s independent CRC and in accordance with an agreed process. This decision provides a clear timeline by which WADA must be given access to the former Moscow laboratory data and samples with a clear commitment by the ExCo that should this timeline not be met, the ExCo would support the CRC’s recommendation to reinstate non-compliance.
“By the terms of today’s ExCo decision, we now have a clear timeline to be granted access to the Moscow Laboratory, which has been sealed off due to a federal investigation. The sooner we are able to access the required data and samples, with the potential to implicate or exonerate a great many athletes, the better. If the Russian authorities continue to refuse access and do not meet our deadlines, then RUSADA will again be declared non-compliant under the ISCCS that offers a much more robust legal framework and a clear process. Without this pragmatic approach, we would continue with the impasse and the laboratory data could have remained out of our reach indefinitely, depriving our investigators of potentially critical information. The raw data is the missing piece that will complement the LIMS database and help conclude WADA’s McLaren and Operation LIMS investigations.
“Today, we are in a much better position. WADA understands that this decision will not please everybody. When cheating is as rampant and as organized as it was in Russia, as was definitively established thanks to investigations commissioned by WADA, it undermines so much of what sport stands for. Clean athletes were denied places at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as other major events, and others were cheated of medals. It is entirely understandable that they should be wary about the supposed rehabilitation of offenders. The pressure on WADA to ensure that Russian sport is genuinely clean now and in the future is one that we feel very keenly and we will maintain the highest levels of scrutiny on RUSADA’s operations and independence.”
WADA Director General Olivier Niggli added: “Since November 2015, WADA and its partners have been working very hard to rebuild a credible, and sustainable, anti-doping program in Russia that will ensure the protection of clean athletes inside and outside of the country.
“Throughout this whole process, WADA’s leadership has been consistent in accepting the judgement of independent investigations and the advice of the independent CRC. Our commitment to protecting clean sport remains as strong as ever. WADA has adhered to the RUSADA Roadmap to Compliance and, based upon the CRC’s recommendation, the Agency sought a concrete and realistic way to implement the two outstanding conditions of the Roadmap. Today’s decision will achieve this and is equipping WADA, for the first time, with a clear timeline on delivery of data and samples. If Russian authorities do not deliver on what has been agreed or if RUSADA does not maintain the high operational standard it has now reached, then it will fall back into non-compliance once again, this time under the more robust terms of the new ISCCS.”
CRC Chair, Jonathan Taylor QC, said: “Everyone agrees that WADA must get the analytical data that underlies the LIMS database, so that it can be determined who has a case to answer and who does not. The only debate today has been as to how we can achieve that goal as quickly and effectively as possible. Today’s decision means that provision of the data in the manner agreed is now a critical requirement under the new ISCCS regime. If that requirement is not met by the end of the year, WADA’s Executive Committee will be in a position to respond strongly and unequivocally, and its members were clear today that that is exactly what they will do.”
WADA’s Foundation Board declared RUSADA non-compliant in November 2015, following revelations of widespread doping in Russian sport that were exposed via WADA’s independent Pound Commission and subsequent McLaren Investigation.
The 12-member ExCo is WADA's ultimate policy-making body, which is composed equally of representatives from the Olympic Movement and Governments of the world. The CRC is an independent, non-political body that provides advice, guidance and recommendations to the ExCo on compliance matters.
Today’s ExCo meeting considered numerous other matters that will be reported upon in a subsequent media release.
Montreal, 15 September 2018 – Yesterday, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) issued a media release regarding WADA’s independent Compliance Review Committee’s (CRC’s) recommendation to the Agency’s Executive Committee (ExCo) concerning RUSADA compliance, which the ExCo will consider at its next meeting on 20 September. Today, the Agency wishes to address speculation and misinformation that is circulating due in large part to more documents having been leaked in the public domain. To clarify:
There is nothing new or concerning in the latest leaked document of an exchange between WADA and the Russian Ministry of Sport. The way in which WADA approached the Ministry was recommended by the Agency’s independent CRC at its 14 June 2018 meeting and its content is entirely in line with the RUSADA Roadmap to Compliance first established in January 2017.
WADA has been leading the drive to ensure that Russia meets the Roadmap in full. The fact is that leadership requires flexibility. The proposals made in the leaked letter are grounded in pragmatism and are nuanced interpretations of the Roadmap in order to bring matters to a conclusion and to not allow the significant progress that the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) has made over the last two years, under WADA’s supervision, to be undone.
Interested stakeholders around the world want the same thing: an effective and sustainable anti-doping system in Russia that sees clean Russian athletes resuming their place in international sport while ensuring the protection of athletes inside and outside of the country. That outcome was never going to be achieved without small degrees of movement on both sides.
It is important to note that the loudest critics of this CRC-led initiative are the very same who were most supportive of the CRC from the outset.
If the CRC's recommendation is approved by the WADA ExCo on 20 September, RUSADA will be declared compliant. However, for the avoidance of doubt, the second condition demands that WADA receives a copy of the former Moscow Laboratory’s database and the raw data via an independent expert within a strict time limit to be determined by the ExCo. If this is not met in full, then the CRC will recommend to the ExCo that RUSADA is, once again, declared non-compliant.
In terms of the process going forward, WADA’s ExCo will discuss the matter in full on 20 September; and, immediately thereafter, WADA will publish its decision. In the meantime, in the interest of full transparency, we link the following documents:
Letter from Russian Sport Minister to WADA Director General – 12 June 2018
Letter from the CRC Chair to WADA Director General – 19 June 2018
Letter from WADA President and Director General to Russian Sport Minister – 22 June 2018
Letter from Russian Sport Minister to WADA President and Director General – 13 August 2018
Letter from Russian Sport Minister to WADA President and Director General – 13 September 2018
Letter from CRC Chair to WADA Director General – 14 September 2018
Click on the following for the WPA Memorandum Stimulation or Inhibitory Neuro Devices
Click on the following for the WPA Memorandum Sport Class Status for Athletes with Hypertonia, Ataxia & Athetosis
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Fifth World Conference on Doping in Sport that will take place from 5 to 7 November 2019 in Katowice, Poland. While Katowice was selected as the Conference’s host city during WADA’s May 2017 Foundation Board meeting, the exact dates had not yet been determined.
Representatives from the sport movement, public authorities and anti-doping organizations; along with, athletes, their entourage, the media and other anti-doping experts will converge in Katowice to take stock of the evolution of Clean Sport; and, engage in high-level discussion and debate about the global anti-doping program, its practices and processes.
Among other major decisions during the Conference, WADA’s Foundation Board will approve the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code. On 12 December 2017, WADA launched the first of a three-phase 2021 World Anti-Doping Code Review Process that involves simultaneous review of the International Standards; for which, the Agency is soliciting stakeholder feedback by 31 March 2018.
More details will follow in the coming months regarding the Conference. In the meantime, please be sure to save the date in your calendars.
Best regards,
World Anti-Doping Agency
