Bermuda is set to sign up to the World Anti-Doping Code as Sports Minister Dale Butler makes clear drugs and sport do not mix.

The World Anti-Doping Agency's Anti-Doping Code is the first document to harmonise regulations regarding anti-doping across all sports and all countries of the world and will provide a framework for anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sports organisations and among public authorities.

Bermuda has already signalled its intent to come on board and within the next few weeks Butler will bring the matter before Cabinet for its approval.

The news comes as it was announced yesterday that Casey Wade, WADA's director of education and planning, would be the keynote speaker at the forthcoming Annual Sports Conference.

The event is being held on January 31 at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel and Wade will speak about the "responsibilities of national sports governing bodies".

"He can share with us what has happened in recent cases, what changes have been made and what new drugs are on the horizon and what are some of the things that people have been doing to perhaps trick the test and to highlight the progress that has been made worldwide," Butler said.

Regarding the code, the Minister said he was "sure" Bermuda would sign up.

"It just has to go before the Cabinet. I am sure he (Wade) would welcome our intent," he said.

All major sports federations and nearly 80 governments gave their approval on March 5 last year at the World Conference on Doping in Sport held in Copenhagen, Denmark, to the World Anti-Doping Code, backing a resolution that accepts the Code as the basis for the fight against doping in sport.

Asked by ZBM TV's reporter if these were "meagre steps" by the Government towards becoming affiliated to WADA, Director of Youth, Sport and Recreation, Brenton Roberts said far from it.

"I would not say they are meagre steps," he said. "These are bold steps by the Government of Bermuda and by the sport governing bodies to sign on. Every country has to sign on and, indeed, the International Olympic Committee has said if you are not signed on by 2006 you will be banned from participating in the Olympic Games, so this is serious business."

Roberts added that initial talks were held with the then Minister of Sport, Randy Horton, two years ago.

"Minister Horton attended the last Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 and it was at that point that an appeal was made to the Commonwealth nations of sport that they should go home and consult their governments and sign on to the WADA initiative, which was in the throes of development at that time," he said. "Well, it's now a full-blown initiative. Many countries have already signed on and Bermuda is positioning itself to sign on, so it's timely that Casey (Wade) would come here at this time."

The Sports Conference will feature several other speakers.

"Progress reports will also be brought from the Women In Sport and Ethics in Sports Committees that were asked last year to develop these initiatives," said Butler. "The National Sports Centre Trustees will also inform organisations as to the progress of ongoing construction and plans going forward.

"Finally, members of the recently concluded Coaching Certificate Programme will be sharing their experiences with delegates and their views as to the value of the course to Bermuda."

Another feature of the event will also be a short presentation on sports photography and the importance of archiving Bermuda's sporting history by Ras Makyl, a well-known photographer and musician.

"We are looking forward to welcoming a delegation of at least three representatives from National Sport Governing Bodies and clubs and invitations have been extended to them to register," said Butler.

The registration fee for the conference is $25 per person and includes all sessions and conference materials and a buffet lunch.