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Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe has announced a start date of 14 December 2009 for UK Anti-Doping, (UKAD), the UK’s first stand-alone anti-doping body.

Based at Cockspur Street in central London, the new agency will be responsible for the national anti-doping programme. UKAD is headed up by Chair David Kenworthy and Chief Executive Andy Parkinson, who will be supported by an experienced senior team, the recruitment of which is currently being finalised.

Also announced today are two new initiatives planned to be operational in early 2010 - a ‘Drug Cheats’ hotline and an Athlete Committee. The confidential telephone line will act as an outlet for anyone with information on doping or the supply of banned substances in sport. The Athlete Committee meanwhile will help UKAD form closer relationships with the athlete community and better understand how best to support athletes in the future.

Gerry Sutcliffe said: “UK Anti-Doping will be up and running, as promised, by the end of the year. It is the latest step in our war on drug cheats and will ensure that this country is leading the way on anti-doping. The integrity of sport must not be put at risk and fans need to be confident that the athletes they are watching are clean. With greater links with law enforcement agencies UKAD will help us catch cheats before they get to the start line.”

David Kenworthy said: “The new UK Anti-doping agency has a sole focus and our aim is simple – to protect the rights of athletes to compete in drug-free sport. By working in partnership with athletes, NGBs, Government and law enforcement, we will deliver a clean sporting environment in the run up to 2012 and beyond.”

“UKAD will deliver a world class anti-doping programme in the UK,” said Andy Parkinson. “This is a unique opportunity to significantly enhance anti-doping services in the UK and to tackle the broader threats of supply and importation of banned substances. We will continue to have a strong focus on education and information provision and ultimately aim to provide a clean sporting environment where athletes can celebrate their successes as clean competitors.”

(Source: UK Sport)