Speakers at the seminar of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) have enlightened weightlifters and their coaches on “The Menace of Doping in Sports” and the need to abide by the regulations of competition.
Raphael Udo and Mrs Onos Dan both took turns on Sunday at the VIP Lounge of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium to educate national weightlifters and coaches who took part at the National Weightlifting Championship (Ibom 2021) – a competition which brought together the top four lifters in all male and female weight classes.
In his lecture, Raphael Udo took time to explain the concept of doping which he described as the use of banned substances and gave other dimensions which involve administering, missing tests and possession of banned substances.
Udo also highlighted some banned substances – ranging from anabolic steroids to narcotics, stimulants and so on.
He also spoke on the health consequences of doping such as causing infertility, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, muscle cramps, addiction, hypertension among others.
Udo advised weightlifters to compete clean and build their skills without having to violate anti-doping rules.
On her part, Mrs Onos Dan informed weightlifters to ensure that their information is captured in the Anti- Doping and Administration Management System (ADAMS) and also advised them to update their information as often as possible.
She also warned athletes to desist from giving wrong information about their whereabouts because it is highly implicative.
Raphael Udo and Mrs Onos Dan, both of the National Anti-Doping Committee (NADC), thanked the facilitator of the seminar, Lawrence Iquaibom, for the initiative.
