CCES calls for Russian athletics athletes to be banned from 2016 Olympic Games

(Ottawa, Ontario – May 12, 2016) – On behalf of the clean athletes of the world, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) today renewed its call for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to stand firm on the suspension of the Russian Athletics Federation from international competition and its ban from the Rio Games this summer. At the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Board meeting this week, it was reported that while improvements have occurred, the changes required in Russia to redress the concerns described in the independent commission report last November have not been achieved.

A recent 60 Minutes documentary has served to heighten concerns around state sponsored doping in Russia. Paul Melia, President and CEO of the CCES noted that: “Dick Pound’s commission uncovered egregious breaches of the Code and since then, there has been no credible indication that the situation has been resolved – the update this week by WADA confirms that the shortcomings continue.”

The unfair performance enhancing effects of such a widespread culture of doping cannot be undone in a matter of months. “Clean athletes’ rights to a level playing field need to be protected by those who govern sport,” said Beckie Scott, Olympic gold medalist and former CCES Board member. “This crisis represents an opportunity for the IOC and the IAAF to demonstrate to clean athletes their resolve to rid sport of doping cheats.”

“The IAAF is due to report on Russia’s eligibility for the Rio Olympics on June 17,” said Melia. “The clean athletes of the world are watching to see if it will exercise real leadership and do the right thing for clean sport.”

The CCES is an independent, national, not-for profit organization with a responsibility to administer the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country. We are committed to working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.

 

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