JADCO symposium to focus on clean sport

KINGSTON:

The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) will host its Annual Symposium on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston, bringing together key stakeholders in sport to strengthen Jamaica's commitment to clean sport.

The symposium will be held under the theme "Empowering Clean Sport: JADCO's Vision for Jamaica" and will target coaches, athlete support personnel, sporting associations, federations, and policy stakeholders, with a strong focus on education, compliance, and shared responsibility in anti-doping.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, underscoring the Government's ongoing support for clean sport and ethical athletic development in Jamaica.

According to June Spence Jarrett, executive director of JADCO, the symposium represents a critical platform for engagement and capacity building across the sporting ecosystem.

"Clean sport is not the responsibility of athletes alone. It requires informed coaches, vigilant support personnel, strong institutions, and clear policies working together. This symposium is about empowering every stakeholder with the knowledge and tools needed to protect athletes and uphold Jamaica's reputation on the global stage," said Spence Jarrett.

The programme will feature a high-level panel discussion, with panellists comprising representatives from JADCO, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, sporting associations/federations, coaching leadership, and sports medicine. Discussions will focus on:

- Strengthening anti-doping education and compliance at the federation and club levels

- The role of coaches and athlete support personnel in clean sport

- Policy alignment and national support systems for anti-doping

- Practical challenges and solutions in implementing clean sport programmes

In addition, the symposium will include technical presentations on Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), as well as a special segment highlighting JADCO's achievements, including advancements in education, testing, outreach, and international compliance.

The executive director noted that the event is especially timely.

"As Jamaica continues to produce world-class athletes, it is essential that our systems evolve to match international standards. This symposium allows us to reflect on our progress, address gaps, and chart a clear path forward for clean sport in Jamaica," Spence Jarrett added.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., followed by presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and shared accountability.