Global sports anti-doping conference being led by Leeds Beckett University

The university is playing a leading role in the second annual Clean Sport Insight Forum, which is organised by the Clean Sport Alliance.

The global forum - part of the Respect project led by Leeds Beckett - is taking place virtually today (Dec 8) and tomorrow.

It brings people together including athletes, policymakers and researchers to discuss a range of anti-doping topics and issues.

Sessions will include exploring athletes’ views on what clean sport means to them.

The latest advances in anti-doping education, including a new international standard and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) strategy, will be discussed, along with a vision for the future of clean sport over the next ten years.

Professor Sue Backhouse, director of research for Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University, said: “Research by Leeds Beckett University, in partnership with WADA, earlier this year found that policy makers and sporting bodies need to change the cultural landscape around reporting on wrongdoing if they want to create doping-free sporting environments."

“Athletes and coaches themselves want to see an end to the current ‘fix the bad apple’ approach and a move to one that encourages the sporting community to speak up and protect the integrity of sport.

“This includes environments being created that enable athletes to talk openly and confidently about the pressures they face in sport – including upholding the rules of sport. WADA’s strategic plan prioritises an athlete-centred approach to clean sport, and athletes welcome their inclusion in co-creating policies and practices that directly impact their lives.

“Our research concluded that it is only through the collective effort of every person involved in sport, including those accountable at the top, that an athlete’s right to compete in doping-free environments will be realised.

“I believe much progress continues to be made to create and promote a clean sport environment and important events like the Clean Sport Insight Forum are another vital step on this journey.

"We are creating a network capable of creating change for the future of clean sport and Leeds Beckett University is proud to be hosting this forum. We would encourage anyone interested in sport to register.”

For more information and to register for the Clean Sport Insight Forum, go to www.cleansportalliance.org.