11 Mar 2015

Botswana National Olympics Committee (BNOC) chief executive officer (CEO) says until a time when National Anti-Doping Office (NADO) becomes autonomous, they will not be able to play a meaningful role in athletes’ rehabilitation. 

Tuelo Serufho said having the NADO under their office proved to be a challenge as they were  limited in some areas such as athlete rehabilitation. Serufho said in the absence of a fully-fledged NADO office, the BNOC was expected to lead the anti-doping programmes.

Presently the NADO interim committee operated under the BNOC and the committee was expected to prosecute and at the same time rehabilitate the same athlete, said Serufho. He said where an athlete tested positive,t hey were conflicted as these were their athletes and had to adhere to World Anti- Doping Agency (WADA) standards. 

He noted that it was his desire is to see NADO as a stand-alone entity such as in South Africa and America. He said such has proved to be effective for those countries. He said although they did not want to be seen to be encouraging the athlete’s act, the current set-up was not conducive for BNOC to assist in athletes rehabilitation as such is not permitted by WADA. 

“As BNOC, we ensure that the due process takes its course without interfering as such will send a wrong note.  But, we can only encourage our athletes to use existing structures towards rehabilitation,” he said.

The CEO said they had athletes commission, which could support athletes who have been caught for doping.  Serufho said it is important to take such athletes through counseling.

“It should be clear that associations are not duty bound to rehabilitate an athlete who is responsible for the problem, but as parents we cannot just dump an athlete,” he said. 

He said although the athlete is not supposed to be involved in any sporting activity that does not mean that the athletes should be on their own. 

Serufho said something can be devised to enable the athlete bounce back once the ban is lifted, adding that they have seen that happening in the likes of USA sprinter Justin Gatlin. The athlete was banned but made a grand comeback. 

While on ban, the athlete is supposed to be monitored to ensure that he/she does not repeat the act.  Serufho said they are running programmes to educate athletes on doping and preventative measures. 

The CEO said the athletes should know that substance abuse is not acceptable and careers are likely to be short-lived if they are not cautious. ENDS