The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Korea Anti-Doping Agency (KADA), the National Anti-Doping Organisation of the Republic of Korea, with an objective to facilitate the integrity of sport across Asia in an effective and sustainable manner.
This MoU, which will run until the 31 December 2026 unless renewed by the parties, was signed by APC CEO Tarek Souei and KADA President Dr. Younghee Lee during the ongoing 2022 KADA Anti-Doping Seminar in Asia and Oceania in Busan, Korea.
The MoU will aim to create a framework of cooperation and collaboration between both the parties, implementing the work of the several articles for the enforcement of cooperation and collaboration mutually.
Among them include Article 3.1 that seeks to enhance solidarity and share best practices in the implementation of anti-doping activities based on the latest World Anti-Doping Code.
The MoU will also allow sharing of anti-doping advocacy and training materials (print or visual); strengthening anti-doping programmes through training of Doping Control Officers, Therapeutic Use Exemption, Results Management, Intelligence & Investigation Programs and Anti-Doping Education etc.; nomination an Anti-Doping Manager to support APC in all the Anti-Doping matters of the Asian Para Games and Asian Youth Para Games.
Commenting on the signing, APC President Majid Rashed said: “It is a great moment for all of us in the Asian Paralympic fraternity. We are very happy to collaborate with KADA and facilitate the integrity of sport across Asia. I am also very hopeful that this new initiative will benefit the Para athletes and the 45 NPCs in Asia. Through this MoU, we hope to strengthen APC’s anti-doping structure through various programmes, training and advocacy aligning with our Strategic Plan.”
Dr. Badrul Amini Abd Rashid, Chairperson, APC Anti-Doping Sub Committee Chairperson said: “The joint initiative will not only create more awareness among the Asian nations but help implement various anti-doping programmes based on the latest World Anti-Doping Code. I am sure the new signing will also add to APC’s anti-doping structure and help APC hold Games keeping the integrity of the sport.”
KADA President Dr. Lee added: “We are very happy to associate with APC which will allow us to share best practices in the implementation of anti-doping programmes across Asia and in its major events. Through the MoU, we will strengthen anti-doping programmes by exchanging various programmes and trainings and, improve each NADO’s workforce. We look forward to working together with APC for the next four years.”
Busan city has been part of the history of the Paralympic Movement in Asia as the APC was born in the city on 30 October 2002, and it’s great to be back for another historical moment through this MoU between APC and KADA.