Athletes arrived at the European Championships in Kyiv yesterday, and the GAMMA invited representatives from the International Testing Agency (ITA) to deliver an educational seminar on drugs in sport and anti-doping. 

The ITA, an independent anti-doping organisation, has partnered with the GAMMA since 2020 but delivered its first in-person workshop at a GAMMA event.

The mandatory programme covered topics including the rights and responsibilities of athletes, the prohibited lists of drugs that must be avoided, including Therapeutic Use Exemptions, the doping control process, and the consequences of doping.

It was conducted in English, with Spanish, French and Russian translation.

Athletes from 15 European countries had the opportunity to ask questions as they were led through a doping control process demonstration.

"As part of our ongoing athlete welfare programme and our commitment to educate and protect our athletes, this seminar was an integral part of the Championships," said GAMMA President Alexander Engelhardt. 

"We are committed to clean sport, and I would like to thank the ITA for their continued support in improving the knowledge of our MMA community."

ITA education manager Olya Abasolo told the athletes present: "Anti-doping education may not be the most glamorous topic, but it is vital for you as athletes to keep MMA clean. 

"Our role is not to police you as athletes, it is to provide you with the tools and the correct information about the rules around anti-doping, the role of the different anti-doping organisations and your rights as athletes."

The ITA will remain in Kyiv throughout the Championships, at which competition will begin tomorrow.