CBC Archives

Have a discussion with the students about the use of performance-enhancing drugs and why drug use is so prevalent in competitive sports.

Using the following quote as a prompt, “Athletes are always a step ahead of any testing program,” debate the current expectations society has of its athletes being successful at international competitions. You might also discuss the merits of rewarding athletes financially for winning an Olympic medal.

Have students research the information provided at www.wada-ama.org about the World Anti-Doping Agency. With the information they have gathered, students will write a position paper on whether or not the World Anti-Doping Agency is making headway in decreasing the use of performance-enhancing drugs in amateur and professional sports. Student should also examine the information presented in the Links on WADA’s Web site. Students should present their arguments in a multi-paragraph composition that includes a clear thesis in the introduction.

After writing their papers on the success of the World Anti-Doping Agency and its initiatives, students can share their findings in small groups or as a whole class. Ensure that there is a moderator for each session to allow for quality debate to take place.

Consider contacting the Canadian Anti-Doping Organization (www.cces.ca) to get their most recent newsletter, or access the information on-line. Interested students could examine the current issues facing this Canadian organization and compare it to the newsletter on WADA’s web site.