Co-organized by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) and Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (HAGOC), the Athlete Engagement Program for Hangzhou Asian Games started on 23rd September 2023 in Athlete Engagement and Education Centre in Hangzhou Asian Games Village.

With the topic of “One play true team” and the slogan of “Working together for clean sport”, the Athlete Engagement Program aims to spread the concept of clean sport, promote the spirit of sport, as well as strengthen the awareness and capability of anti-doping for athletes and athlete support personnel.

Located in the International Zone of Athlete Village, the Athlete Engagement and Education Centre is divided into indoor space and outdoor space, with areas of welcome and guidance, signature and group photos, education and exhibition, quiz game and outdoor interactive games.

In order to enhance the influence of this program, an outreach booth was set up in athlete canteen area to carry out anti-doping education activities simultaneously.

Athlete Engagement and Education Centre & Athlete Canteen Area

This is the first collaborative program between WADA and CHINADA in international major events. Stacy Spletzer, Senior Manager of WADA’s Athlete Engagement Program, together with 5 athlete representatives, jointly worked with staff from CHINADA and HAGOC.

Team & activities of Athlete Engagement Program for Hangzhou Asian Games

On 25th September, WADA President Witold Bańka, Vice President Yang Yang, Director General Olivier Niggli, and guests from the 3rd CHINADA international anti-doping symposium held during Hangzhou Asian Games visited Athlete Engagement and Education Centre, and spoke highly of the program. “It is big and perfectly equipped for athletes. I want to thank CHINADA and WADA team for doing such an amazing job, and I think athletes can enjoy this place. It’s also good to promote clean sport and fair play, and I’m extremely impressed,” Bańka said.

Witold Bańka, Yang Yang, Olivier Niggli, and guests from the 3rd CHINADA international anti-doping symposium

Many interesting themed activities were also held in Athlete Engagement and Education Centre, which makes the Athlete Engagement Program more attractive. A shuttlecock kicking challenge was held on September 29th evening, with more than 30 participants enjoying the game as well as feeling the charm of traditional Chinese sports culture. On October 3rd, the celebration of “Clean Sport Day” welcomed nearly 1,500 people. Participants signed and wrote some words about clean sport on the themed postcard, took group photos and loudly spoke the slogan of “Clean Sport” and “Win Clean Medals”. 

Shuttlecock kicking challenge & Clean Sport Day

The Athlete Engagement Program for Hangzhou Asian Games had attracted 8,742 participants from 43 nations and regions by October 3rd. The program will continue until October 8th, the day for Hangzhou Asian Games closing ceremony.