Athletes found with illegal drugs in their system will face harsh penalties during this year’s South Pacific Games in August/September confirmed President of the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC), Vaeolenofoafia Vui Tapasu Leung Wai.

SASNOC will be bringing in qualified laboratory drug testers to conduct random testing throughout the two-week period.

Vaeolenofoafia says they will be carrying out compulsory tests on Weight Lifters, Power-Lifters and Body Builders and have been advised by the Pacific Games Council to test at least 50% of the swimmer’s.

“We will also do random tests on other athletes.”

The tests could come at anytime before during or after their events.

“Tests will be done on all winners, first, second and third place getters.”

Consequences for using illegal drugs come with tough penalisation, verifies Vaeolenofoafia, which includes suspension for possibly up to four years.

SASNOC has also recommended to the Pacific Games Council that the countries should also be penalised for their athlete’s illegal activity.

The consequences will comply with International Anti-Doping Rules.

Vaeolenofoafia says there has been a lot of awareness over the last couple of months to Samoa and all other competing countries and they all know they must adhere to the Doping Federation Rules.

Currently SASNOC is in negotiations with a laboratory in Canada for the equipment needed to conduct the tests.

“In Australia the tests cost AUD$600 for one test but in Canada it is only USD$200 for one so we are going for the cheaper option.”

“We will probably only be doing about 100 tests altogether.”

Vaeolenofoafia says SASNOC wishes to promote Samoa as an anti-doping country through the games.

Drug Free messages will be displayed throughout the competition.

---

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Add Comment