Canadian swimmers show support for clean sport at World Championships

World-class athletes Benoit Huot and Valérie Grand'Maison to take part in day of activity on August 13, in support of clean sport

MONTREAL, July 16, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadian swimmers Benoit Huot and Valérie Grand'Maison will be helping to raise awareness about clean sport on August 13, at the 2013 IPC Swimming World Championships in Montreal.

The IPC and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have teamed up to create a day dedicated to raising awareness of anti-doping and to call for athletes to compete clean in all sports.

Say NO! to Doping is an awareness campaign that was launched by WADA to encourage sports and anti-doping organisations to show their commitment to doping-free sport. Sport and anti-doping communities can incorporate the Say NO! to Doping logo and other green elements throughout competition venues, promotional material and sports equipment to promote the Play True message of respect and fair play.

All swimmers will be encouraged to show their support for a level playing field by wearing swimming caps and temporary tattoos displaying the Say No! to Doping and IPC logos.

Reigning world and Paralympic champion over 200m in the individual medley S10 class, Benoit Huot, said:

"I've always been an advocate for the importance of clean, equal and fair sport for everyone. These values are unique. Let's all continue to work together and make sure that our sport is clean and transparent."

Huot, who was the flag-bearer for Canada at the London 2012 Closing Ceremony, will be in action on August 13 in the 400m freestyle S10, in which he collected silver at London 2012, as well as a number of other events during the competition.

Teammate Valérie Grand'Maison, Paralympic champion over 200m in the individual medley SM13 and world champion in the 400m freestyle S13, spoke of how important the essence of fairness is to sport:

"Sport brings people from different countries and abilities together in a passionate and competitive environment. Above all, elite athletes began their pursuit of sport for fun. That spark should be what helps them achieve their best, and that spirit of sport brings all athletes together."

Grand'Maison will be in action in the following days of the World Championships.

On August 13 IPC President Sir Philip Craven and WADA Director General David Howman will attend a press conference where they will give their views on the importance of clean sport and a doping free culture.

"Say NO! to Doping is an effective campaign that allows athletes and organizations to demonstrate that they are behind clean sport. Hosting a dedicated Say NO! to Doping day here in Montreal provides the perfect opportunity for the sporting and anti-doping community to show its commitment to real sport that consists of fair play and respect," David Howman said.

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) will provide third-party anti-doping services for the World Championships, bringing more than 20 years of experience and the latest anti-doping techniques in urine and blood sample collection. Doping control officers from the Canadian Anti-Doping Program will collect urine and blood samples before and during the World Championships. In addition, CCES staff will be on site to provide outreach services to athletes and access to helpful anti-doping information.

"The CCES is pleased to participate in this effort by the IPC and WADA to promote clean sport," says Paul Melia, President and CEO of the CCES. "Athletes want clean sport. We are committed to helping them be as well informed as possible in their quest to compete clean," adds Melia.

Fans can pick up tickets for the IPC Swimming World Championships from just $11.50 CAD for children and $17.00 CAD for adults at: https://billets-tickets.montrealipc2013.com/

There will be free hand-held paper fans and temporary tattoos available for spectators on the day which will display the Say No! to Doping and IPC logos, as well as a Twitter and Facebook competition providing the opportunity to win signed caps worn by World and Paralympic Champions once the Championships have concluded.

The 2013 IPC Swimming World Championships are taking place from 12-18 August in Montreal, Canada. Featuring around 500 athletes from nearly 60 countries, it will be the biggest gathering of international swimmers since London 2012.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC supervises the organisation of the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for nine sports, for which it oversees and co-ordinates the World Championships and other competitions, including swimming.

The IPC is committed to enabling Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and to developing sport opportunities for all persons with a disability from the beginner to elite level. In addition, the IPC aims to promote the Paralympic values, which include courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

Image with caption: "Canadian swimmers Benoit Huot and Valérie Grand'Maison will be helping to raise awareness about clean sport on August 13, at the 2013 IPC Swimming World Championships in Montreal. (CNW Group/Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130716_C7841_PHOTO_EN_29047.jpg

SOURCE: Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC)

please contact Lucy Dominy, IPC Public Relations and Campaigns Manager on e-mail: [email protected] or call [phone]. Alternatively, please visit www.paralympic.org/swimming or www.ParalympicSport.TV

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