Tuesday, June 1, 2021: Since 2014, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have celebrated ‘Play True Day’ in April – a day that is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting clean sport around the globe.
This year’s international campaign reached over 87 million people and saw athletes, national and regional anti-doping organizations, sports federations, governments, major event organizers, and other stakeholders from the global anti-doping community unite on April 9 in celebration of the Play True message.
Centred around the theme ‘What does Play True mean to you?’, Dr. Leonardo Mataruna, Professor of Sport Management, Canadian University Dubai (CUD), and member of both the Education Committee and Social Science Research Expert Advisory at WADA, hosted an online debate along with CUD Sports Management students and several Dubai sports clubs (Karate 365, Heroes Academy, Dubai Olympic Gymnastic Club, and Rossi BJJ Team).
Speaking about the significance of anti-doping education, Dr. Mataruna stressed that it should be implemented in schools and in basic fundamental curricula around the world: “Discussing this theme at the university level is important to prepare future leaders and to enhance the conversation globally. Our job as educators is to make children and young people aware of the risks of using illicit drugs in preparing them not only for sport, but for life.”
Education is imperative to protecting clean sport. The Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Management at CUD prepares students to deal with matters like these that are unique to the sports industry. Students also learn to negotiate contracts with players and vendors through athletic valuation, attract crowds to sports events, and coordinate external communication through traditional and digital media, to strengthen the tie between the fans and the team.
Mohammed Al Murawwi Al Blooshi, professional cycling athlete, Paralympic coach, and student of Sports Management, Canadian University Dubai, said: “Sports Management is fundamental to study anti-doping education to promote an equal sport for all. To celebrate Play True Day on April 9th was to promote clean sport and share values of fair play."
The inspiration for Play True Day stems from a WADA-hosted Education Conference in 2013, which was attended by 17 South American countries. While the celebration started as a small South American initiative, last year, the agency’s digital and social media campaign reached over six million people with numerous individuals and organizations taking part from around the globe.
To highlight the success of this year’s campaign, WADA created a Play True Day 2021 recap video, showcasing the celebrations that took place around the world.