Lausanne based new International Testing Agency takes up operations

Last week, the new International Testing Agency (ITA), recognised as being a major new player and key driver in the fight against doping worldwide, started officially its activities in Lausanne. 

The ITA is an independent non-for-profit Swiss foundation. It is in charge of providing anti-doping services to any International Federation (IF) or event organiser willing to assign the development of its anti-doping programmes to an entity that operates independently of sports organisations and national interests. Welcoming the ITA in Lausanne once again showcases the unique and strong international sport ecosystem in the region.

The ITA’s Foundation Board is composed of high profile stakeholders in sport and anti-doping. Its President, Dr Valérie Fourneyron (FRA), is supported by an IOC and NOC representative, Prof. Ugur Erdener (TUR), an IF representative, Mr Francesco Ricci Bitti (ITA), the President of the IOC Athletes' Commission, Ms Kirsty Coventry (ZIM) and an independent member, Prof. Peijie Chen (CHN). The ITA’s Executive Director is Mr Benjamin Cohen (SUI).

On behalf of the Foundation Board, Dr Valérie Fourneyron said: "We are extremely happy to officially move into our new headquarters in Lausanne. Our team will have the chance to operate in the Olympic Capital and benefit from the strong know-how that exists in Lausanne and the state of Vaud. We look forward to providing the global sport community and athletes with our expertise in clean sport. Our primary focus will be to regain trust by acting upon doping issues evenly across all sports worldwide.” 

Philippe Leuba, State of Vaud Councillor, Department of the Economy, Innovation and Sport, said: "The fight against doping requires the convergence of advanced knowledge in research, management and communication in sport. All these capabilities exist at the very highest level here. The decision of the ITA and of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to make Lausanne their home can only make us proud. We are committed to work hard and keep attracting key players in the sports world in our region.” 

Oscar Tosato, Municipal Councillor in charge of sports and social cohesion of the City of Lausanne, said: "Lausanne, the Olympic Capital is a unique platform for knowledge exchange. It brings a lot of added value to international sport. The synergies created here enable more than 2,000 people and nearly 60 sports organisations to work together and develop best practices around – amongst others – clean sport around the globe. The relevance of the Olympic Capital platform for international sport is even strengthened today with the presence of the ITA.“