In the aftermath of the positive doping test of powerlifter Gumendra Shewdas, several sporting bodies say that they intend to step up their anti-doping measures as well as educate their athletes of the banned substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list.
The Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) is among them.
During a sit down with Stabroek Sport yesterday, president of the GABBFF, Attorney-at-law, Keavon Bess, noted that his federation will be hosting a general meeting on January 25 at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) building to discuss upcoming events and the hot topic of performance enhancement drugs.
According the Bess:“At the general meeting, the topic of performance enhancement drugs will be discussed in detail especially since we are seeing the issues being faced by the powerlifting federation.
The general meeting will also inform athletes about upcoming competitions and events.
On the topic of banned substances, Bess said his federation will look to flex its muscle by ensuring “our athletes are tested before they attend CAC or any other international competitions.”
He added: “Our federation will try its best not to contribute negatively towards Guyana regarding the use of banned stimulants.
“The tests are very expensive and I was reminded of this reality when I last spoke with president of the GOA (K. Juman Yassin) on Wednesday.
“However, we will spare no effort or resources to ensure that we take clean athletes overseas, moreover we will try our best not to have our athletes taint the Golden Arrowhead.”
During the sit down, Bess also disclosed the dates for the AGM and listed the calendar events scheduled for 2014.
The AGM will be held on January 18 from 13:00hrs at the GOA building.
There will not be voting for posts on the executive since members of the federation voted for the constitution to be amended to reflect a two-year term in office (2013-2015).
“The elections will be next year but the AGM must still take place to inform the general public about what occurred in the sport last year and going forward,” said Bess.
The calendar events for 2014 are as follows:
Date and Venue to be announced at AGM
a. General meeting with
athletes
b. General meeting with
coaches and trainer
c. General meeting with
Judges
d. Workshops/fitness talks
e. Outreach program
f. Fundraisers
g. Novices competition
h. Seniors competition
i. HRC
j. Muscle Explosion
k. CAC competition
l. Darcy Beckles Competition
m. Outreach programs to Schools
