As the sport of lacrosse continues to enjoy growth in participation and popularity around the globe, making certain the playing environment remains safe for all participants is a priority for World Lacrosse. This includes ensuring athletes understand and embrace their role in upholding the values of clean competition.
Prior to the start of the 2019 World Lacrosse Women’s U19 World Championship in Peterborough, World Lacrosse conducted an anti-doping education and awareness outreach session at Fleming College. More than 150 athletes attended the voluntary outreach, which provided athletes with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about anti-doping testing, protocols and prohibited substances.
The outreach session was organized by World Lacrosse Board Member and Technical Director Don Blacklock, who is one of several World Lacrosse officials who works closely with the World Anti-Doping Agency to implement anti-doping education and testing programs. Also participating in the outreach session was Sachio Yamada from the World Lacrosse Athletes Commission and Corina Mark from the Canadian Centre for Ethics and Sport.
“One of the areas in which athletes need to be particularly mindful is with supplements, as they are unregulated and therefore not subject to the same level of quality control or scrutiny,” Blacklock said. “Our message to athletes is this: there is nothing more important than your health and safety. Be sure to check with your team physio or a medical professional before taking anything.”
“It is so important that we reach our younger athletes to help simplify what may appear to be a complex and overwhelming aspect of being an elite athlete,” Blacklock added. “The athletes who attended the outreach had great questions and came away with information that will help them do their part in ensuring the playing field remains safe and level for everyone.”
World Lacrosse will continue its anti-doping education and awareness efforts with another athlete outreach at the 2019 World Lacrosse Men’s Indoor World Championship next month in Langley, British Columbia.
