Report of the Chairperson (2007)
Prof. David Gerrard OBE
The past year has delivered remarkable progress in anti-doping, yet sport cannot seem to completely rid itself of the scourge of drug misuse by high profiled athletes.
The Tour de France remains tainted by doping scandals despite the bold steps adopted by the UCI. It is hoped that over the coming year those efforts will help an event which has become a blight on the sporting calendar and return it to being one of its most celebrated. Meanwhile, one of the most highly regarded sporting records in the United States has just been broken by a man whose recent history is inescapably linked to a doping organisation (Balco) as sophisticated and cynical as any uncovered to date.
However I am pleased, but not surprised, to report that any association between elite New Zealand athletes and doping has not been an issue. Our pride in their achievements is well justified. Many athletes are motivated to stand up and be counted on drug misuse and we have been overwhelmed by the success of such initiatives as the “Pledge” programme.
We have made substantial investments in education as well as preparing for new legislation that significantly broadens our responsibilities, particularly in relation to “investigating” the evidence of acts of doping in sport. At the same time we have been heavily engaged with WADA in a review of the World Anti-Doping Code and its associated Standards. Amendments to those key documents must enforce key principles but also enable anti-doping organisations to apply these changes in a way that meets the specific needs of individual sporting environments.
I acknowledge the strong contributions of many to anti-doping activities including our Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon Trevor Mallard. The Minister’s commitment is demonstrated by his willingness to take up a position on the WADA Executive Committee during the crucial Code review period despite his heavy Parliamentary load. The Minister’s advisor on matters in sport has been Jude Ellis. Her endorsement of our work has been welcomed, I thank her publicly for that and wish her well in her new role.
Each Board Member has continued to show leadership and wisdom and their collective effort has been of immense personal help. I also acknowledge the recent death of a popular, former Board Member Judge Tony Ellis and convey sincere condolences to his family.
The staff of Drug Free Sport New Zealand deserve particular mention for their unstinting efforts. We are privileged to have retained their invaluable input and dedication. In a similar vein our pool of DCO’s and chaperones undertaking crucial work in the field, have continued to ensure that Drug Free Sport New Zealand is effective, understanding and respectful of the needs of athletes.
New Zealand’s profile on the international scene records our support for drug free sport. David Howman continues as an outstanding Director General at WADA with strong support in the government relations field from Anne Jansen. Minister Mallard holds an Oceania position on the WADA Executive and Foundation Board. I am personally privileged to serve on the WADA Health, Medical and Research Committee as well as Chairing the Therapeutic Use Working Committee while Sarah Ulmer is a respected member of the WADA Athlete Committee. Paul Marriott-Lloyd is the UNESCO staff member responsible for administration of the International Convention against Doping in Sport. Our Executive Director, Graeme Steel was again appointed as a WADA independent Observer this time as Chair of the team at the Doha Asian Games. In addition Graeme is Vice-President of the Association of National Anti-Doping Organisations and will take over the Presidency in September, a post that reflects how highly he is regarded by colleagues.
This has been a challenging year preparing for new legislation and the Code revision. Next year will present an even greater challenge as we move to put that preparation into practice. My personal thanks to those who have continued to maintain the high profile of our athletes in drug free sport.
