Ottawa – February 26, 2025 – This year, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan will begin the evening of February 28 and end March 29. During this time, athletes who are observing Ramadan may be notified for urine and/or blood sample collection by anti-doping agencies, such as the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) or their international federation, at any time, in any place, with no advance notice.
The CCES understands that there are additional demands on athletes who are fasting as a result of religious observance. Sample collection personnel are aware that athletes may need more time to produce a doping control sample due to dehydration and in this situation, they will accompany the athlete until they are ready to provide a sample.
Athletes should be aware that religious observances, such as Ramadan, do not exempt athletes from being required to submit to doping control under any anti-doping program that is compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code, such as the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP).
From the CCES, Ramadan Mubarak to all who celebrate!
Questions? Contact the CCES
- Email: [email protected]
- Call toll free: 1-800-672-7775
About the CCES
The CCES is an independent, national, not-for profit organization that works to protect the integrity of and manage unethical issues in Canadian sport. Through the administration of its programs, including the Canadian Anti-Doping Program and the upcoming Canadian Safe Sport Program, the CCES strives to ensure sport is fair, safe, accessible, and inclusive for all Canadians. The CCES acknowledges funding, in part, from the Government of Canada. For more information, visit cces.ca, follow us on X (Twitter), Facebook, or Instagram.