Director of the Anti-Doping Commission Olivera Prodanovic says in an interview for CdM that awareness of the importance of anti-doping should be at a higher level. She adds that violations of anti-doping rules not only harm the basic values of sport, but also the health of athletes, leaving consequences. During the last year, 41 doping controls were carried out by the Anti-Doping Commission.
CdM: How developed is the awareness among young people in Montenegro about the importance of anti-doping, clean sport and fair play?
Prodanovic: Awareness among young people in Montenegro about the importance of anti-doping should be at a higher level. There is a noticeable focus on achieving results, so the activities of athletes and coaches, as well as the eyes of the public, are focused on that.
Although no one disputes the importance of fair play and fair sport, not enough attention has been paid to these topics. Many young athletes are not sufficiently informed about what is considered doping, or about the serious harmful consequences that doping substances can cause to their health.
CdM: What activities does the Anti-Doping Commission carry out in order to inform young people, and above all athletes, about the importance of anti-doping?
Prodanovic: The Commission provides appropriate information to athletes and members of their supporting teams, as well as to the management of sports clubs and associations using all available means, in accordance with the current resources at our disposal. First of all, there are constant conversations, availability for all kinds of questions that most often relate to the status of the drug or supplement, then there are workshops, lectures, current information presented on our website. As the most important, I would single out a very ambitious educational and innovative partnership project implemented in 9 municipalities of Montenegro – interactive educational events in primary and secondary schools.
CdM: How many educational trainings, controls were there, and how many Montenegrin athletes tested positive for some of the doping substances?
Prodanovic: Last year, we conducted a whole series of diverse educational sessions – from those for professional athletes to those for the youngest children who are just starting to play sports, not neglecting the importance of providing the right information to the leadership of the federation.
Also, in the spirit of true sports and professional cooperation, we did training together with sports associations such as the Water Polo and Swimming Association, the Football Association, the Athletic Association, so that they could further educate coaches and athletes, in accordance with international anti-doping regulations and recommendations.
CdM: What are the plans for further activities of the Anti-Doping Commission?
Prodanovic: The plan is to increase the number of educational activities and introduce new programmes for young athletes. We plan to increase the number of doping tests by 50% in the coming year and establish closer cooperation with schools and sports clubs to ensure that all athletes receive the necessary information. Also, we will work on improving our methods of testing and training trainers.
The support of the international community is very important for the status of Montenegro – cooperation with the relevant parts of UNESCO and the Council of Europe contributes to the efforts of the entire society to create better conditions for life and work. Cooperation with the World Anti-Doping Agency, and entry into a project with the National Anti-Doping Agency of Austria, as a mentor country for Montenegro in the further development of anti-doping capacity, is also moving in this direction.
CdM: What would be the message to our athletes before the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris?
Prodanovic: I would tell our athletes to always play fair and believe in their abilities.
