GAPLF hosts successful anti-doping educational session ahead of FESUPO

The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) on Saturday morning successfully hosted an anti-doping educational session at the National Racquet Centre, facilitated by Chairperson of the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (CAR-RADO), Dr Karen Pilgrim.
Athletes who are set to represent the Golden Arrowhead at the South American (FESUPO) Powerlifting Championships in Chile from September 18-28, along with two coaches who will be the first locally-based officials to take part in an International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Coaching Course, participated in the very successful programme.
Dr Pilgrim, who is a very experienced sports administrator and has been conducting similar anti-doping sessions with other sporting disciplines, was accompanied by three Doping Control Officers, who led various sessions – Stacey Cadogan, Deion Nurse, and Nalini McKoy.
The very interactive session sought to educate the participants on the guidelines that are in place for clean sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as well as the CAR-RADO and the WADA Code.

Among the areas discussed were 1. Values – explaining that the core of anti-doping is each athlete’s personal values – integrity, honesty, dedication, excellence, courage, etc. Mantra – Play True; It starts with You!
2. Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRV) – the 11 things that can lead to an ADRV – some of which apply only to athletes (such as use); some of which apply to athletes and Athlete Support Personnel (eg trafficking, administering, complicity).
3. Doping Control Process – demonstration of the process that athletes undergo when urine is collected for anti-doping.
4. Whereabouts – explaining why whereabouts info is needed for athletes to be tested Out of Competition. Athletes completed the local form for the last quarter of 2026.
Additionally, anti-doping understanding rules are vital for fair competition, athlete safety, ethical integrity, and global consistency in sports. By applying these rules, WADA and its partners protect athletes’ rights, maintain public confidence in sports, and ensure that success is achieved through hard work and natural ability, not chemical enhancement.
Guyana will be represented at FESUPO by 17 athletes and five officials. Two athletes would compete in the Men’s Equipped competition with the others contesting the more popular Classic competition. Four females form part of the contingent.
The athletes and the categories in which they will compete are as follow: Navindra Tamasar (66kg Equipped), Franklyn Brisport-Luke (66kg Equipped, Masters 11 – 66kg Classic M11).
Classic Open – Demetri Chan (83kg); Meshach Alexander (83kg Junior); Joshua John (93kg); Olsen Batson (93kg Junior); Omali Vancooten (93kg) and Sereste King (105kg).
Females Classic Open – Janice Savory (57kg); Keisha Abrigo (76kg); and Kezia Joseph (76kg); Masters 11 Classic (Female) – Nadina Taharally (76kg).