Two of Fiji's trained Doping Control Officers (DCOs) have been officially invited to take part at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics Anti-Doping Program from January to March 2010.
Fanny Simpson and Fereti Rokodi will be the first DCOs from the Oceania Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (ORADO) to take part in an Olympic anti-doping program. The pair will be among 250 DCOs from around the world working at the Olympics and Paralympics.
Their involvement at this level will help ensure the implementation of effective doping control programs to prevent, deter and detect the use of doping in sport -- not only in Fiji but for the Oceania region.
"FASANOC is committed to supporting anti-doping education and controls, and we are thrilled that the two DCOs from Drug Free Sports Fiji (DFSF) have been recognised by this invitation," said FASANOC president Vidhya Lakhan.
"It will further their personal skills and commitment to anti-doping control, as well as add to the pool of talent in Fiji.
"To be chosen for Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics was a real honour. We initially thought we would be going through as chaperones, but instead we have been selected as volunteer DCO's for the events, so it's very exciting and will be challenging - although it will be cold!" Rokodi said.
According to feedback received by DFSF, Pacific Islander DCOs are well liked by the athletes, as they conduct their tests with integrity, but also with a smile and air of friendliness.
