The National Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone (NOC/CGA-SLE), in collaboration with the National Anti-Doping Organization of Sierra Leone (NADO-SLE), has commenced a one-day anti-doping sensitization session ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The training, held at the NOC/CGA-SLE headquarters on Walpole Street in Freetown, brought together athletes and officials from six sporting disciplines including athletics, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, judo and swimming.
Speaking during the session, NADO-SLE National Director, Dr. Brian Conton, said the programme was aimed at educating athletes and officials on anti-doping rules and regulations, promoting clean sport and preparing Sierra Leone’s delegation for doping control procedures during the Commonwealth Games.
“The training is meant to prepare athletes and coaches for what they will face at the Games, including the regulations, responsibilities and the doping control process. We want everyone to understand the procedures so they will not be surprised,” Dr. Conton explained.
He disclosed that 27 athletes and officials were targeted for the training, emphasizing that organizers of international competitions have the right to conduct doping control tests on athletes.
Dr. Conton warned that sanctions are not limited to athletes alone, noting that coaches, administrators and even parents could face penalties if they encourage doping, tamper with the process or are found in possession of banned substances.
“This is an education process to help everyone understand what to do, what not to do and the consequences of violating anti-doping rules,” he said.
He further revealed that athletes would need anti-doping education certificates before gaining admission into the Games Village at Glasgow 2026.
“My message to the athletes is to stay clean, make your family and country proud and always ask questions when in doubt. Testing is not only done during competitions but also outside competitions, and we are already conducting tests in Sierra Leone,” he added.
Lead Doping Control Officer and Doping Education Officer, Alfred Terry, said the training was designed to mentally prepare athletes and officials for anti-doping procedures at major international competitions.
He noted that many athletes fall victim to inadvertent doping because they are unaware that certain actions or substances could amount to anti-doping rule violations.
“We want them to avoid situations that could lead to sanctions or embarrassment. Preparing them ahead of the Games will give them confidence and help them comply with anti-doping procedures,” Terry stated.
One of the participants, Marie Bangura of the Sierra Leone Athletics Association, expressed appreciation for the sensitization session, saying the training had increased her understanding of anti-doping issues.
She added that she would also share the knowledge gained with her fellow athletes.