Sports Ministers to Discuss Anti-Doping and Women in Sport

"the Commonwealth has a big role to play in helping rid sport of drug cheats..."

Ministers will have an opportunity to discuss measures to ensure effective implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code by sports organisations and governments. They will also discuss enhancing women's participation in sports and the sharing of best practices on hosting major sporting events.

The United Kingdom's Minister for Sport, Richard Caborn, who will chair the meeting, said: "The millions watching this month's Olympics need to have confidence that the competitors winning medals are doing so fair and square. I believe the Commonwealth has a big role to play in helping rid sport of drug cheats and I am sure governments will want to play their part."

Mr McKinnon will brief sports ministers on the establishment of a Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport (CABOS) to promote sport as a tool for economic and social development. He said: "Sport can play an important role in the economic development of Commonwealth member countries. It can empower people -- particularly the young -- and provide them with real opportunities to better their lives."

The Secretary-General expressed confidence that the meeting "will deliver practical results and confirm the role the Commonwealth can play in promoting the value of sport for the benefit of all Commonwealth citizens." He wished all the Commonwealth participants at the Olympic Games "the best of luck as they go for gold".

Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meetings are held every two years, prior to the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games. The first Meeting was held in Manchester, UK, in 2002, ahead of the Commonwealth Games. The next will be in Australia, in the wings of the Melbourne 2006 Games.