comprehensive drug testing programme to run throughout Bermuda sports.

The NDC's "Drugs Don't Play Here'' programme is a joint effort of the National Drug Commission, the Ministry of Youth Development, Sport and Recreation and national sports organisations.

The programme, a drugs prevention initiative, includes a series of standard operating procedures, and addresses a wide range of components, including confidentiality, information systems and the maintenance of the reporting process.

In the meantime, the funding from the NDC will allow sports organisations in Bermuda to immediately institute drug testing alongside programmed team testing, both in season and out.

The overall drug testing programme is being developed to incorporate international standards and provision has been made for both initial screening and follow-up confirmation tests to be provided both in Bermuda and abroad.

The programme is part of Government's Drug Free Sports policy, expected to be in place early in the new year.

SPORTS SP