The World Anti-Doping Agency WADA has now presented the report of its Independent Observer (IO) team at The World Games in Birmingham 2022, USA (7 to 17 July 2022). In a press release from WADA, Matthew Koop, Head of the Observer Group states: "The team would like to commend the International Testing Agency and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for their efforts in running a strong anti-doping program, as well as the International World Games Association for organising a successful edition of the Games." It was the first time that WADA accompanied an edition of The World Games with an observer team.
The WADA team, consisting of three experts, worked in collaboration with the International Testing Agency (ITA). The ITA operated the anti-doping programme with support from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, on behalf of the International World Games Association (IWGA).
In his report, Matthew Knoop explicitly recognised the work of the organisers and the host city of the eleventh edition of The World Games: "I would also like to acknowledge the work of the dedicated staff and volunteers, who were instrumental in delivering the anti-doping programme.
Sebastian Garvens, IWGA Head of Games Services and responsible staff member in charge of Anti-Doping, says: "We are very pleased with the successful outcome that the WADA IO team has now presented. The report acknowledges our efforts in the fight against doping and underlines that the IWGA, its member federations, and the local organising committee have been acting in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency's regulations."
The report includes recommendations for future editions of The World Games. Volker Bernardi, the liaison of the IWGA Executive Committee responsible for IWGA’s fight against doping commented on the recommendation: "We will consider this advice very carefully in addition to our internal observations, and will give it careful consideration as we prepare for the next Games in 2025 in Chengdu, People’s Republic of China."
“For now, we wish to acknowledge the success of our Anti-Doping operations at The World Games 2022 in Birmingham and particularly the work conducted by our chair, Dr. Orlando Reyes, and his team, the IWGA Anti-Doping Commission, who will also review the recommendations of the WADA IO Team.”
WADA reported a total of 401 doping tests during the Games with the sample analysis finalised after the event. There were three Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) resulting from the Games and reported by the ITA. They are being investigated and processed according to the Result Management regulations. Once all three processes are completed, the IWGA will inform about the results.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association, organised with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The World Games 2022 was held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from 34 sports and 100 countries took part in the Games. The 12th edition of The World Games will be held in Chengdu, CHN in 2025.
