The connection between the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) and sports entities around the country is getting cemented. On Saturday, key items on the agenda of the symposium organized by the Amateur Boxing Federation of The Bahamas (ABFB), was the signing of the agreement to comply with the BADC and its mission of 'Clean Sport' in the country. ABFB President Wellington Miller, who also heads the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC), welcomed the opportunity to "show all of The Bahamas and the world that the amateur boxing program in our country intends to work closely with the anti-doping commission."
"We appreciate the presence of the anti-doping commission. Actually, I've always understood the importance of the anti-doping platform because for years before the Government of The Bahamas officially appointed the national organization for the role, the BOC performed the job. I realize the task of the commission and our signing is a clear indication that our program will remain with a focus on fair competition. We don't accept the use of illegal substances to enhance competition. Whatever testings we have to undergo, we are prepared," said Miller.
Bahamas Boxing Commission (BBC) Chairman Alvin Sargent was on hand and took the opportunity to sign for that organization. The previous boxing commission administration, with Pat Strachan as chairman, had made the commitment to sign with the BADC in 2011. "It is with pleasure that I sign. I have knowledge that prior to my appointment to the commission, there was an agreement to work with the anti-doping folks, so, I had no difficulty in signing in my capacity
. Like the amateur boxing body, we in the boxing commission will do all in our power to make sure that the sport is fair," said Sargent. The boxing commission has a medical committee, led by Dr. Patrick Roberts and Dr. Munir Rashad. It is the intent of the controllers of professional boxing in the country to concentrate on the use of any illegal substances during the weigh-in/medical ceremonies and otherwise.
Presently, Dr. Roberts and Dr. Rashad are working on a program for the testing of professional boxers. Representing Chairman Dr. Jerome Lightbourne of the BADC were anti-doping commissioners Fred Sturrup and Roscow Davies. Sports Director in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Tim Munnings was also a witness to the signings. With the ABFB and the BBC on board, the number of organizations which have signed the agreement with the BADC amounts to six.
Previously, the Bahamas Cycling Federation (the first), the Bahamas Powerlifting Federation, the Bahamas Softball Federation and the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations had signed. The expectation is that the remainder of the core organizations associated with the Bahamas Olympic Committee and other independents, will sign the compliance agreement in short order. o To respond to this sports feature, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com
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