JADCO Gets $16 Million to Increase Testing of Athletes

The Government has set aside more than $16 million for the Jamaica Anti-doping Commission (JADCO) to conduct in and out of competition testing and public education programmes.

This was disclosed by Minister with responsibility for Sport, Hon. Natalie Neita Headley, while making her contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, June 5.

She said the figure represents an almost 14 per cent increase in budgetary allowance and speaks to the Government’s commitment to the world-wide fight against doping in sport.

“We will continue to implement measures, through JADCO and other related agencies, that will foster dope-free sport at all levels,” she stated.

She informed that the allocation will also facilitate the commencement of the collection of blood samples during this fiscal year.

The Sport Minister noted that since 2012, the Government has almost tripled the budgetary support to JADCO to guarantee the integrity of Jamaica’s anti-doping system.

This increase in allocation, she said, allowed the Commission to increase the number of tests conducted in the 2012/13 financial year by 110 per cent over the previous year.

“The Government supports the principle that sport is the expression of one’s true self and the realisation of one’s own unique natural potential. Being successful in sport requires the right attitude, practice, time and effort. The giving of one’s best is good enough,” she remarked.

Contact: Athaliah Reynolds-Baker