Athletes undergo dope tests

 By ISAIAH IGISH

ATHLETES at the Pacific Games have been tested by the Oceania Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (ORADO) for banned substances.

ORADO chief executive officer Natanya Potoi-Ulia said they had been asked to conduct 300 in-competition tests during the Games.

Since last Sunday, ORADO hass carried out random tests on athletes, including medal winners. She said they had brought in international experts to help local doping control officers.

“We trained about 10 new doping control officers and Papua New Guinea already has four doping officers. That is 14 here and we have other people outside the Pacific coming in to help out,” Potoi-Ulia said.

She said the main purpose of the tests was to protect the integrity of the sport and protect athletes from cheaters.

Based at the Pacific Games Village at the University of Papua New Guinea, the doping control officers are only carrying out urine tests.

They are looking out for all banned substances listed by  the World Anti-doping Agency, including steroids, stimulants and narcotics.  

“We are not only to fulfil the criteria of hosting an international event but we want to make sure people know, that is why we are not looking only at taking sample testing but do some educational programmes.” 

Potoi-Ulia said carrying out a test was not a cheap exercise. One test costs US$445 (K1224).