The Bermuda Council for Drug Free Sport is the independent body appointed by the National Sport Governing Bodies responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of programs and policies associated with achieving a sporting environment free of illicit substance abuse, including counseling, research, education, appeals and arbitration.
As sport occupies an important position in Bermudian society, its impact extends beyond athletic excellence and the winning of medals. Sport enriches our daily lives as participants, parents, officials, supporters and spectators. It contributes immeasurably to the physical health and moral development of youth in Bermuda and to the presentation of our national character on the international stage. Fair and ethical sport is therefore a matter of public interest.
Among the many positive things sport has to offer, is the opportunity to be involved in an activity that can enhance personal and national pride through the pursuit of sporting excellence. Equally important, however, is the potential for sport to promote the health and well-being of children. The possible impact here is far-reaching, covering many child development issues and extending into adulthood. Participation in sports can help children develop ethics and sound values, interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team, mental and emotional resiliency, enduring self-esteem, and life-long friends. Equally important is the fact that an active lifestyle is central to children's physical health and development and greatly improves their chances of maintaining good health as adults.
Encouraging drug-free sport means promoting a strong, values-based system at all levels of competition, for children, youth and high-performance athletes. Drug use in sport is a direct threat to the positive benefits of sport and is a matter of public concern for which there is no single solution. Performance enhancing drug use threatens not just the rules of sport and the health of its athletes but it also threatens the very purpose of sport. Illicit drug use in a sport context similarly threatens the health of its users while at the same time undermines the potential value of the sport experience.
The B.C.D.S., in partnership with the National Drug Commission, the Ministry of Community Affairs & Sport, and the National Sport Governing Bodies have united in the fight against drugs in Bermuda.