OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
WITOLD BAŃKA
5 November 2020
Mr. Tonis Lukas
Minister of Culture
Estonia
Via email:
[email protected]
Re: IOC pledge seeking Government matching for WADA scientific research and
investigations
Dear Minister Lukas,
The last time the global anti-doping community was able to gather together was in
November 2019 at WADA’s Fifth World Conference on Doping in Sport, in Katowice, Poland,
where we experienced a highly productive week of renewed dedication to the protection of
Clean Sport. That commitment was apparent for all to see, not least by the full support given
for the revised World Anti-Doping Code and related International Standards but also by that
given to the ‘Katowice Declaration’, which included the following statement:
“Recognizes and fully supports the essential role played by WADA as the world
regulator in anti-doping in sport, and enjoins all stakeholders to reiterate and
strengthen their support;
“Commends the Olympic Movement and Governments for the reiterated
commitment to provide equal funding of WADA’s approved annual core budget
and stresses the need to ensure WADA has the appropriate level of resources
to fulfill its mission.”
As you may recall, during the World Conference, the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
President, Thomas Bach, pledged an additional USD 2.5 million towards WADA’s scientific
research budget to build on the success of the ongoing program to develop innovative anti-
doping testing and detection methods, and another USD 2.5 million to further strengthen the
successful work of WADA’s independent Intelligence and Investigations (I&I) Department. As
explained at the time, the release of this generous additional contribution is dependent on
Governments of the world matching it. In other words, every dollar that Governments invest
in these two vital areas of WADA’s work will be matched by the IOC – an exciting prospect
and a truly collaborative initiative.
It is very encouraging, therefore, that Public Authorities are already making additional
contributions, notably the Government of China that contributed almost USD 1 million,
ensuring that two of the possible USD 10 million in funds will be released – 50% for scientific
research, specifically in areas such as dried blood spot analysis and artificial intelligence, and
50% for I&I. I look forward to hearing from you as to how you might also respond favorably
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to this challenge in order for us to maximize this additional funding stream for the good of
athletes and Clean Sport around the globe.
All monies received from Governments will be held and administered by WADA, along with
the matching funds from the IOC up to the total level (between the two sources) of USD 10
million. This is to be a separate fund, and a ‘one-off’ payment, i.e. not part of annual
contributions.
I recognize that appealing for additional funding might seem odd in the current COVID-19
climate. However, this is a very exciting and rare opportunity for us to advance our shared
commitment and therefore, we hope that you and your nation’s Government will seize it.
Yours sincerely,
Witold Bańka
President