Minister Bortniczuk’s presence in this high-level body is important for Polish sport as it enables exerting influence on decisions made by the Board with regard to crucial issues, e.g. compliance of the Russian anti-doping system with the World Anti-Doping Code, structural reforms of WADA, the organization’s budget, investigative and research activities as well as modifications to the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods.

Minister Bortniczuk intends to use his term on the WADA Foundation Board not only to engage in the fight for clean doping-free sport but also to further the diplomatic offensive to exclude Russia and Belarus from sport on the global scale.

Participation in the work of such a prestigious international body provides an opportunity for active lobbying in support of initiatives important from the standpoint of Poland’s interests in the field of sport. In the near future, one of such initiatives will be presenting our way of thinking about what is happening in Ukraine and maintaining sports sanctions against athletes from Russia and Belarus, Minister Bortniczuk said.

Poland – a leader of its region

Minister Bortniczuk’s appointment to the WADA Foundation Board also confirms Poland’s position as a leader of its region, which our country has held for many years. The Polish Anti-Doping Agency is regarded as a model by many professionals. Its activities in support of building anti-doping systems in other countries such as Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Albania are an example of reliable and effective international cooperation. It should also be noted that Poland is home to one of the world’s 30 WADA-accredited anti-doping laboratories. Minister Bortniczuk’s membership in the WADA Foundation Board proves that the Polish anti-doping system is effective, and that Poland’s position in the global anti-doping system is strong and well-grounded.

Minister Bortniczuk in WADA

On 15 May 2023, the EU Council for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport, meeting in Brussels, unanimously approved Minister Bortniczuk’s candidacy for the seat representing the European Union on the Foundation Board of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Since 2020, the office of WADA President has been held by former Polish Minister of Sport and Tourism Witold Bańka. Minister Bortniczuk’s inclusion in the governing body of WADA lends additional international prestige to our country.