Saint Lucia's Edwards is the Face of Anti-Doping

He speaks eloquently about his desire to be a positive influence on the young people of Saint Lucia, about his plans to stage High Jump clinics for primary school students and his long-term vision of starting a foundation to help nurture the next generation of Saint Lucian Olympians. So it makes sense that Darvin Edwards was the leading athlete chosen to headline a new anti-doping education campaign focusing on Saint Lucian youth.

The campaign is funded by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in the amount of US $ 19,913.00 under the UNESCO Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sports. Aside from Edwards, who has qualified for the London Olympics in men's High Jump, the campaign features tow other local sports icons in Women's Cricketer of the Year Swayline Williams and Semi Pro Rugby Player Claudius Medouze.

"This is a fantastic honour for me," says Darvin. "I am so proud to be part of this programme, because anti-doping is so important. We see some kids falling into really bad habits and doing all the wrong things, and sometimes it's their environment or what not, but you can always make that positive change. And that's why it's so necessary not just to believe in yourself but to have people around you who believe in you and in your ability, and people that will give you the correct advice and guidance."

According to Marcia Symphorien, the Secretary-General of  the Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO, the programme is part of UNESCO’s drive at ensuring that young local sportsmen and women understand the benefits of participating in healthy, clean and doping-free sport. The programme is managed and facilitated by Sacred Sports Foundation Incorporated and will help the general public and sporting community to become more aware of the fight against doping in sport, while drawing the attention of persons to the importance of anti doping education.

The target group of the campaign will be young sportsmen and women between the ages of 12-20.

Increased awareness and education are necessary initial steps in maintaining and achieving doping-free sports. Anti-doping education, targeting not only athletes but also athlete support personnel, key agencies and civil society, is critical in the movement to improve community awareness and prevention, and enable us to appropriately adapt to our rapidly changing social environment.

The Saint Lucian National Commission for UNESCO is committed to working with the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, RADO Saint Lucia and Sacred Sports Foundation to combat doping in sports and ensure sport remains a game of equity and equality.

Saint Lucia ratified the International Convention against Doping in Sport in December 1971.

For more information please contact:

Anti-Doping Hotline: 450-0895

or visit their website www.antidopinglucians.com