Montreal, September 19, 2024
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the report from its team of independent observers (OI) [available in English only] regarding the Anti-Doping Program for the 2023 Pan American Games (PANAM), held in Santiago, Chile, from October 20 to November 5, 2023.
Le RO program WADA’s IO Review is an important element in monitoring the compliance of major event organizations. IO teams conduct an independent review of all aspects of anti-doping programs implemented at major events around the world. In addition to publishing this written report after the event, the team was also able to provide real-time feedback during the Games in a positive and collaborative manner.
The majority of the Games’ anti-doping program was managed by Panam Sports in collaboration with the local organizing committee, the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) of Chile and the Pan American Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO). WADA’s IO team worked with the various organizations to help strengthen the program. The team consisted of:
- Juan Lauria (Argentina), Manager, WADA Latin America Office (Chair);
- Federico Perroni (Uruguay), Manager, WADA Latin America Office;
- Maria Fernanda Carraca de Alcantara Frias (Brazil), Head of Controls, Autoridade Brasileira de Controle de Dopagem (ABCD);
- Clare Egan (USA), WADA Athlete Council member, Chair of the International Biathlon Union Athlete Commission and two-time Olympic biathlete; and
- Natalia Chaparro (Colombia), Investigator, Intelligence and Investigations Department, AMA.
“It was a privilege to lead WADA’s Independent Observer Team in Chile for the 2023 Pan Am Games,” said Mr. Lauria. “The team would like to thank Panam Sports, the local organizing committee, the Chilean NADO and the Pan American RADO for their strong commitment to clean sport and recognizes the dedication in implementing the anti-doping program for the Games. We would also like to acknowledge the dedication of the staff and volunteers whose time and efforts were invaluable in the effective delivery of the program.”
The IO team observed all aspects of the anti-doping program of the Games, including:
- The control distribution plan and its implementation;
- Recruitment and training of sample collection personnel;
- Athlete selection, notification and sample collection procedures;
- Transport and chain of custody of samples;
- Therapeutic use exemption procedures; And
- Results management.
In addition to presenting the highlights of the programme, the report also identifies a number of recommendations and good practices that Panam Sports should consider for future Panam Games or other major events.
