Posted: 10th December 2015 | Back to news feed
Hartpury is leading the way in its commitment to clean sport after becoming the first college to achieve the highest level of anti-doping accreditation.
After a year-long action plan that included a variety of workshops, courses and training advice to help raise awareness among the college’s elite athletes, students and staff, Hartpury has secured the top level of accreditation provided by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD).
Workshops were planned throughout the year to educate athletes, coaches and other academic and support staff, to ensure they understood the risks of doping and their responsibility towards clean sport, as well as signposting where they can go for more support and advice.
Students and staff were encouraged to sign up for UKAD’s free online advisors course and some coaches and staff were also trained as anti-doping educators. Posters and hoardings setting out Hartpury’s clean sport commitment were seen across the campus and other resources were made available online and on social media.
The education programme incorporated the ‘100% me’ programme values and guidance on behalf of UKAD.
The accreditation bid was successfully led by Hartpury’s Performance Lifestyle Manager, Ruth Owen-Evans. Hartpury was the first UK academic institution to employ a full-time performance lifestyle manager to support its elite athletes - providing them with tools and techniques to help them balance their top-level sport with academic commitments and other life challenges.
This is part of a full package of professional sports support, including strength and conditioning, nutritional advice, testing and sport psychology and performance.
“This is a huge achievement for Hartpury and it is the result of a successful year of educating everybody at the college about the importance of committing to clean sport,” said Ruth.
“The whole accreditation process has enabled us to deliver a more comprehensive education programme right across the college so it’s great to see our efforts recognised by UKAD.
“However, the accreditation is just the start of the process for us and we are looking to continue to raise awareness by working on anti-doping education being woven into all academic courses, support services and the activities and recreational programme that is offered to all students.”
UKAD Chief Executive, Nicole Sapstead, said: “Education is the cornerstone of protecting clean sport and a fundamental part of our prevention strategy. The new UKAD Accreditation Scheme for schools, colleges and universities is an exciting opportunity for us to engage with education providers in a way we have never done before, ensuring that quality anti-doping education programmes are in place at all levels of sport, and throughout an athlete’s career.
“Hartpury has shown its commitment to supporting their athletes and staff to be in the best possible position to make the right choices throughout their sporting careers, giving them every chance to compete and win clean.”
(left to right): Owen Satterley (staff), Ruth Owen-Evans (staff) with Hartpury student, Alex Wolfe.
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