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13 May 2026
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) International Standard for Education highlights that an athlete’s first experience with anti-doping should be through education rather than testing. In line with this principle, NOCs have a responsibility to educate athletes and ASP in cooperation with their National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs) before major events. The Clean Sport Education Guide for Dakar 2026 supports these efforts to equip young athletes with the knowledge to protect themselves and uphold the values of clean sport.
Benjamin Cohen, ITA Director General, emphasised the importance of education at the Youth Olympic Games: “Education is at the heart of the Youth Olympic Games. As the organisation responsible for implementing an independent anti-doping program for Dakar 2026 on behalf of the IOC, we see it as our duty to safeguard the integrity of the event by providing tools to ensure that every athlete arrives informed, prepared, and empowered. Providing education before the Games helps young athletes understand the doping control process, reinforces the values of fair play, and builds a strong foundation for their lifelong sporting journey.”
Although designed specifically for NOCs, the guide is available to all organisations involved in clean sport education, reinforcing the principle that collaboration and cooperation are vital to protecting athletes.
To complement the guide, the ITA will host a webinar for Youth Athletes Competing at Major Events on Wednesday, 26 August at 2 p.m. CET. This interactive session will provide practical insights into clean sport and preparation for the Youth Olympic Games.
Ahead of Dakar 2026, athletes are also encouraged to complete the “Mastering Your Sporting Journey” on Athlete365. Click here to access the e-learning course. This course helps young athletes develop the right mindset and essential knowledge in areas such as mental health, safeguarding, prevention of competition manipulation, and anti-doping. The anti-doping module, Talented Athletes competing at Major Events delivered through WADA’s ADEL platform, is available in 24 languages and explains key rules, the risks of certain medications, and the testing process — helping athletes navigate clean sport with confidence.
At the Games, clean sport education and awareness will be a visible and interactive part of the Youth Olympic experience. Education activities will be hosted by ITA Education Ambassadors, with further engagement offered by WADA Athlete Council members and other Olympians, in the Athlete365 space in the Youth Olympic Village. Athletes and their entourage are invited to visit to ask questions, take part in engaging activities, and promote the values of integrity, fair play and clean sport among their peers.
For any questions related to the Dakar 2026 Clean Sport Education Guide or clean sport education, please contact the ITA education team at [email protected].
