MOC adopts WADA code

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code was officially adopted by the Malta Olympic Committee (MOC) yesterday at the close of a three-day seminar organised by the Medical Commission within the MOC.

'Correct Usage of Ergogenic aids and Nutrition advice to help athletes improve their performance' was the main theme of the seminar which came to a fitting end with the endorsement of the WADA code by the MOC.

The purpose of the seminar, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sliema, was to enhance the anti-doping awareness and the signing of the WADA code by MOC president, Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco, underlines the commitment of the Maltese sport's governing body to the war against doping.

The code, agreed at a meeting in Copenhagen last year, is aimed at harmonising anti-doping activities across different countries, providing for uniform suspensions for serious doping offences.

"The signing of this code was a logical step for the MOC as we represent all the national sporting federations on the islands," Farrugia Sacco said.

"We also believe that it's in the athletes' interests to have such an agreement in place as we all know that the use of illicit substances to boost performances can have serious health repercussions in the future."

According to Farrugia Sacco, the MOC's subscription to the WADA code will now be followed up by a series of doping tests.