    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [August 4, 2008]
    [Pages 1101-1102]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the International Convention Against Doping in Sport
    August 4, 2008

        Today I signed the instrument of ratification for the International
    Convention Against Doping in Sport adopted by the United Nations
    Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization on October 19, 2005.
        This convention is a valuable tool in protecting the integrity of
    international sport and the health of athletes. The convention advances
    international cooperation on doping control matters and promotes a

    [[Page 1102]]

    drug-free competitive environment for athletes. Ratification of the
    convention represents the culmination of the longstanding efforts of the
    international community and the United States to jointly develop an
    equitable and harmonized approach to antidoping control and enforcement
    measures in international competition. Importantly, the convention
    highlights the vital role of youth education, comprehensive drug
    testing, and research in combating doping.
        The timing of the United States ratification, on the eve of the
    Beijing Olympic Games, is appropriate. Over the next several weeks, the
    world will be focused on the talent and dedication of the world's most
    accomplished athletes. The convention makes clear that the use of
    performance-enhancing drugs to gain a competitive advantage undercuts
    the positive attributes of sport.
        I remain particularly concerned that doping sends to young people
    the message that performance is more important than character and
    health. As a result, my administration has aggressively pursued
    education campaigns, research, and drug testing, as well as cooperation
    among public and private partners to encourage clean, fair, and healthy
    sport competition. These efforts have coincided with a significant
    decline in the number of young people using performance-enhancing drugs.
        The challenges posed by doping must also be addressed by
    international cooperation and collaboration. By ratifying the
    convention, the United States is demonstrating its continued commitment
    and leadership in working with the international community to combat
    this public health issue.