Friday, 12 July, 2002, 11:48 GMT 12:48 UK
Manchester targets drug cheats
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has announced details of the anti-doping programme which will be run during this summer's Games.
Government agency UK Sport has been contracted to manage the testing, in conjunction with M2002, the Games' organising committee.
Around 4,000 athletes from 72 nations will compete in what will be the biggest multi-sport event ever to be staged in the UK.
UK Sport, which normally oversees the national anti-doping policy in the UK, will be responsible for testing athletes in each of the 17 sports scheduled to take place.
"The CGF, M2002 and UK Sport are all committed to the promotion of drug-free sport," said CGF chief executive Michael Hooper.
"We have developed a comprehensive testing programme for the Games to reinforce this message to all athletes, and in particular those who might contemplate cheating."
Richard Callicott, chief executive of UK Sport, added: "No one wants to see drugs misused in sport and yet we have to remain open to the possibility that some athletes may cheat.
"Promoting drug-free sport continues to be a major priority for UK Sport.
"We are proud of the part we are playing, both nationally and internationally, in supporting those athletes who are determined to take part in the true spirit of sporting competition."
The Manchester Games are the first to be held since the establishment of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).
In agreement with the CGF, Wada is sending an independent observer team to Manchester to monitor the anti-doping arrangements in place.
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