From UK Sport
Andy Parkinson has been appointed to the role of Acting Director of Drug-Free Sport by UK Sport. Parkinson will take up his new post on July 14 when the current Director, John Scott, leaves to become Chief Executive of 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Parkinson has been Head of Operations (Drug-Free Sport) at UK Sport since August 2006. He was previously Medical and Scientific Director of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Among Parkinson’s main tasks will be to ensure the implementation of the new World Anti Doping Code in British sport and work with Government on the plans to transfer anti-doping responsibility from UK Sport to a new, stand-alone National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO).
Confirming the appointment, UK Sport’s Chief Executive, John Steele, said: “John’s are difficult shoes to fill, but in his time with us Andy has shown he has all the qualities to see us through this critical stage in the modernisation of anti-doping in the UK.â€
Andy Parkinson said: “These are exciting times for the world of anti-doping, and no more so than in the UK. The proposed transition to a new stand-alone NADO is a huge challenge but one which brings with it a real statement of intent that doping in the UK will not be tolerated.
“In addition, we have a new World Anti-Doping Code coming into operation from 1 January 2009 and we will be doing everything we can to ensure all sports and athletes are fully prepared and ready to meet the new requirements this entails.â€
Parkinson takes up the post initially on a six-month contract during which time final plans for the establishment of the new NADO are expected to be confirmed.
For more information, contact Russ Langley on 020 7211 5108 / 07880 740772
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