The Spanish speaking member federations of South America showed they shared IMMAF’s ongoing commitment to “Clean MMA” after organising a virtual seminar on anti-doping.
86 participants took part in the event on March 28, organised by Yariela Mendoza, President of Panama’s MMA Association (Asociación Nacional de mixed martial arts Panamá ) and hosted by Paulina de la Loza. A surgeon in her native Mexico, de la Loza also has a Master’s Degree in Public Health and is Executive Secretary of the National Anti-Doping Committee of Mexico (MEX-NADO). She also has a passion for combat sports and is a member of the Mexican Kendo team and co-founder of the support network for the development of female kendo: “Kendo girls México.”
IMMAF’s Anti-doping Manager Michele Verroken also took part in the Seminar, together with IMMAF President Kerrith Brown and Director of Development Gosha Malik. Verroken’s stressed the importance of appointing an Anti-doping officer within federations, a key role which allows regular and close communication between National Federation and NADO.
Amongst the Seminar attendees were representatives of Panama and neighbouring countries including Guatemala, Uruguay, Mexico, Puerto Rico and others.
The presentation covered the history of anti-doping at the Olympic Games as well as
• The World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards
• Definition of doping
• The doping control process
• The list of prohibited substances 2021
• Authorization of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE)
• Results management
At the conclusion of the Seminar, President Kerrith Brown said: “IMMAF and all our Member Federations support the work being done by WADA and other entities on behalf of clean athletes. Although IMMAF continues to work hard to gain signatory status with WADA the fight against doping is stronger when we work closely with our federations. I know that our Anti-doping Manager Michele Verokken is a strong believer in empowering federations to fight for clean sport. I would like to thank Yariela for all her hard work to make this Seminar happen with so many participants and I hope that others come up with similar initiatives.”
Yariela Mendoza said: I would like to thank the IMMAF for all its encouragement and we continue to take small, but decisive steps, on behalf of MMA in Panama and across the American region. We are committed to developing, promoting, and spreading the healthy practice of our sport.”
View – Anti-Doping National Federation responsibilities under the 2021 WADA Code
