Team Philippines received a strong send-off for the 3rd Asian Youth Games with an Anti-Doping Education Seminar hosted by the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO) recently at Diamond Hotel Manila.
Themed ‘Clean Sport, Bright Future: Building Filipino Champions with Integrity,’ the event encouraged athletes to embrace fair play and sportsmanship ahead of the Games in Bahrain from October 22 to 31.
Over 200 athletes, coaches, and officials attended in person and online.
Commissioner Olivia ‘Bong’ Coo of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) welcomed participants and emphasized integrity and discipline. PHI-NADO head Alejandro Pineda Jr. led the session on anti-doping basics, while Chef de Mission Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara offered words of encouragement.
The seminar featured live demos of the doping control process by officers Nathan Vasquez and Alethea Laquindanum.
Dr. Marion Rivera explained WADA’s Prohibited List and Therapeutic Use Exemptions, followed by a lively question and answer. A panel discussion titled ‘The Athlete’s Code’ highlighted personal stories from Olympic swimmer Jessie Lacuna and jiu-jitsu world champion Meggie Ochoa, focusing on athlete rights and responsibilities.
Participants also joined interactive sessions on ‘Why Compete Clean?’ and pledged to uphold honesty, discipline, and integrity. The event ended with certificate distribution and closing remarks from Dr. Pineda, reaffirming PHI-NADO’s commitment to clean sport.
Team Philippines is now set to compete with integrity on the global stage. Play True. Play Clean. Play Fair.