Empowering Young Athletes to Compete Clean
This May, Oriam is proud to support Clean Sport Week 2025, a national campaign led by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) to raise awareness around clean competition in sport. This year’s theme, “The Next Generation,” focuses on protecting and empowering young athletes as they progress through their sporting journeys.
At Oriam, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, we’re committed to promoting integrity and education in sport — and Clean Sport Week is an important reminder of the values we all share.
Oriam Youth Development Programme - Clean Sport Week Workshop
As part of Clean Sport Week 2025, we hosted an engaging and informative workshop with participants from the Oriam Youth Development Programme (OYDP). The session introduced young athletes to key clean sport principles, using the "Next Generation" presentation to spark discussion around doping, personal responsibility, and integrity in sport. Through interactive activities and real-life examples, participants explored the risks of banned substances, how to check medications and supplements safely, and the importance of making informed choices throughout their athletic careers. The workshop empowered our young athletes with practical tools and knowledge, reinforcing Oriam’s commitment to developing not only talented performers, but responsible and ethical competitors.
The workshop covered a range of important topics designed to help young athletes understand the risks of doping and the steps they can take to compete clean — here’s a closer look at what was discussed.
What is Doping?
Doping refers to the use of banned substances or methods to gain an unfair advantage in sport. This can be intentional or inadvertent — but the consequences are serious either way.
From ancient Greek athletes using herbs and animal parts, to modern-day cases involving performance-enhancing drugs, doping has long threatened the integrity of sport.
Why Might Athletes Dope?
Athletes may feel pressure to enhance performance, recover faster, or meet expectations from coaches or peers. But it's important to recognise that doping carries huge risks — not just to performance outcomes, but to an athlete's health, reputation, and career.
We encourage all athletes at Oriam and beyond to reflect:
What would clean sport mean to you and your team?
100% Me: Taking Ownership
Athletes are 100% responsible for what enters their body. This is called Strict Liability — meaning even if a substance is taken by accident or unknowingly, athletes are still held accountable.
Your body is your responsibility. That’s why education is so important.
Understanding the Prohibited List
A substance or method may be banned if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
- It’s harmful to health
- It enhances or has the potential to enhance performance
- It goes against the spirit of sport
Whether in or out of competition, athletes must check what they use.
How to Stay Clean
1. Adopt a “Food First” Approach
Use natural foods as your first source of fuel and recovery before considering supplements.
2. Check Medication and Supplements
Use trusted tools like:
- Global DRO – to check medications
- Informed Sport – to check supplements
3. When in doubt — check it out.
Never assume a product is safe. Always verify.
The Consequences of Doping
The consequences of doping go far beyond just bans. Athletes risk:
- Loss of medals, sponsorships, and careers
- Permanent damage to their reputation
- Severe health risks
One of the most well-known cases is Lance Armstrong, who was banned for life and stripped of all seven Tour de France titles.
Clean Sport = Proud Sport
We want all young athletes to be proud of their achievements. Competing clean means competing fairly, ethically, and with pride.
At Oriam, we believe in supporting each other and creating a culture where clean sport is the standard — not the exception.
Let’s build the next generation of athletes on a foundation of integrity and respect.
Thank you for being part of Clean Sport Week 2025.
Let’s lead by example, together.