Nock to petition IOC on Rio 2016 Olympics

The National Olympics Committee- Kenya will appeal to the International Olympics Committee (IOC) to allow the country’s athletes to participate at the Rio 2016 Games despite the non-compliance verdict passed by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

In a statement released on Sunday, the local Olympics body declared preparation for the country’s team for the Brazil Summer Games were well on course. The planned appeal comes two days after IOC told Citizen Digital banning Kenya from Rio 2016 was not on the cards following the crushing verdict of the global watchdog to rule the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) non-compliant to its Code.

“The Noc-k as an affiliate of the International Olympic Committee will make a presentation on the whole issue as we have been a party to the Anti-doping Process in Kenya, including formulation and validation of Anti-doping Draft Bill, Anti-doping Policy and Anti-doping rules and regulations.

“The Noc-k will appeal to the International Olympic Committee that as the Government of Kenya continue meeting its obligation to WADA, the interests of Kenyan youth and in particular the sporting talent by the young men and women be allowed to exploit their talent by participating in the Olympics Games, bearing in mind the heavy investments and lengthy preparations for the Olympic Games,” the statement said.

“Noc-k wishes to assure the Kenyan population that we are on course with the preparations for participation in the 31st Olympic Games due to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil between 5th and 21st August, 2016,” it added. WADA found part of the Anti-Doping Act no. 5 of 2016 in violation of its Code after some changes were made to the law signed by President Uhuru Kenyatta without their knowledge.

“Though there are offending clauses in the Act, in our view are very insignificant to warrant a declaration of no-compliance by WADA.

“We appeal to the Government in particular Dr. Hassan Wario, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts, and Prof. Githu Muigai the Attorney General to move very first and effect the amendments suggested by WADA so as to make the Anti-doping Act No.5 of 2016 World Anti-doping Code Compliant,” the statement signed by Noc-k Secretary General, Francis Paul and Chef-de-Mission for Rio 2016, Stephen Arap Soi urged.

“We wish to advise all the athletes to focus on their preparations and training for Rio 2016 Olympic Games and assure them that the National Olympic Committee will use what it takes within its mandate and powers to ensure their participation in Rio-de-Janeiro, Brazil 2016 Olympic Games.

“We also wish to appeal to the Corporates to continue supporting Team Kenya Rio 2016 through donation and sponsorship that will assist in the preparation and participation in the 31st Edition of the Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro, Brazi 2016,” it concluded.