France's Minister of Youth, Sport and Voluntary Work, Jean-François Lamour, has been unanimously voted in as the World Anti-Doping Agency's vice president for 2007 at the organisation's annual meeting.
"Jean-François is immensely respected for his work on behalf of clean sport, both in his country and as European representative on WADA's Executive Committee," said WADA president Richard Pound. "He will play a significant role in advancing the goals and initiatives of WADA."
Following his unanimous appointment, the two-time Olympic fencing champion is first in line to succeed Pound when the Canadian's term comes to an end in November 2007. "I believe that WADA has made great strides in the global fight against doping sport, and that we have an important duty now to ensure success in meeting our current and future challenges," said 50-year-old Lamour, who will replace Brian Mikkelsen after two years in the position. "I look forward to intensifying my contribution to the initiatives and mission of the Agency to protect the integrity of sport and the health of athletes world-wide."
Among other changes to the executive committee for next year is the replacement of France by Denmark as the European representative and New Zealand taking over from Australia as the Oceania representative.
During the meeting, held on Monday in Montreal, Canada, the WADA Executive Committee carried out the first of three consultations regarding the revision of the World Anti-Doping Code. "The Code represents a unique and unprecedented triumph of sport and government joining forces to address a critical problem threatening public health and the integrity of sport," said Pound. "Now, with several years of practical implementation and experience, we are working with stakeholders in the enhancement of its provisions for an even more robust anti-doping system world-wide."
In addition to announcing its US$23 million budget for 2007, the organisation also pledged US$178,000 to be shared among six applicants who will carry out social behavioural research, in an attempt to uncover the motivations behind doping. "Understanding the behavioural aspects and value judgement behind doping will help us to develop and disseminate strong values-based anti-doping education programs," concluded WADA director general David Howman.
