May 18, 2014 – WADA has published the Independent Observer (IO) Report on the anti-doping program at the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Winter Games. In accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code, WADA is invited by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to send an IO Team to all Paralympic Games, and deliver a final report on the effectiveness of the program and any recommendations for its improvement.

“The anti-doping program that the IPC oversaw in Sochi was of a high professional standard,” said WADA President Sir Craig Reedie.

“What we saw was a program run by an organization that strongly believes in a committed and professional approach to doping-free sport. This was characterized by the efficient and organized workforce who throughout the Games clearly aimed to deliver the best possible program for athletes.”

The IO Team monitored all aspects of the anti-doping program in Sochi, including risk assessment and test distribution planning, the selection of competitors for testing, sample collection, and the communication and implementation of alternative selection schemes.

As is the case following all IO Missions, the report included a number of recommendations designed to further enhance anti-doping activities at future Games, with particular regard to the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code and the International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI).

A full copy of the Independent Observer Report can be found here.