The CCES Completes Testing of Team Canada Prior to Tokyo 2020 Olympics

(Ottawa, Ontario – July 26, 2021) – The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) has successfully completed its Olympic pre-Games testing program and would like to wish all members of Team Canada good luck at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope that the Games are a safe and healthy experience for everyone.  

“The CCES has fulfilled its commitment to the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and the athletes who were nominated to represent Canada,” said Paul Melia, President and CEO of the CCES. “Our testing program was comprehensive, intelligence-based, and incorporated the testing recommendations put forth by the International Testing Agency (ITA).” The International Olympic Committee delegated the implementation of the anti-doping program for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to the ITA, who issued risk-based testing recommendations to testing authorities.

All athletes who were nominated to represent Canada at the Olympic Games have been tested at least once by either the CCES or other anti-doping authorities, such as international sport federations. Testing of Paralympic athletes will continue into August.

In addition to pre-Games testing, the CCES made anti-doping information and resources available to athletes and support personnel. Almost all athletes completed the CCES's True Sport Clean online learning course in the last year; a comprehensive course that ensures athletes who are subject to doping control understand their rights and responsibilities.

“Internationally coordinated anti-doping efforts work to protect irreplaceable Olympic moments. We’re grateful to our partners in the sport community who helped us reach our testing goals,” said Mr. Melia. “We encourage Team Canada to live their values and to embrace the True Sport Principles that represent the good sport Canadians believe in. Congratulations and best of luck to you in Tokyo!”

About the CCES

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. The CCES acknowledges funding, in part, from the Government of Canada. We are committed to making sport better by 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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