The Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) has taken a significant step towards promoting clean sport and strengthening athlete protection through the successful implementation of its Anti-Doping Education and Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) Training of Trainers Workshop.
The three-day workshop, held from June 5 to 7, 2026, brought together 30 participants from various National Sport Federations across the country. The initiative was officially launched by LNOC Chief Executive Officer, Morake Raleaka, who described the programme as a strategic investment in the future of sport in Lesotho.
In his opening address, Raleaka highlighted the importance of anti-doping education in safeguarding athletes, promoting fair competition, and upholding the values of integrity and sportsmanship.
He noted that the workshop aligns with the objectives of the LNOC Strategic Plan 2025–2035, which seeks to strengthen sports governance and athlete development structures nationwide.
“The development of knowledgeable Anti-Doping Education Officers within our federations is essential in ensuring that athletes compete in a clean and fair environment,” said Raleaka.
The opening ceremony was also attended by LNOC Director of Sports Medicine and the Protection of Clean Athletes Commission, LitšitsoMotšeremeli, as well as LNOC Chief of Operations, ‘MathatoMakhororole.
Throughout the workshop, participants received comprehensive training on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) education framework, anti-doping regulations, Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), doping control procedures, results management processes, and athlete rights and responsibilities. The programme also incorporated the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), which promotes excellence, friendship and respect as core sporting principles.
Participants were equipped with practical skills to enable them to deliver anti-doping and values-based education programmes within their respective federations, helping to extend awareness and compliance efforts throughout Lesotho’s sporting community.
The workshop concluded on June 7, with a closing ceremony officiated by Motšeremeli, who commended participants for their dedication and commitment to protecting the integrity of sport.
A total of 29 participants received certificates after successfully completing the training programme, qualifying them to support anti-doping education initiatives within their federations.
“This training marks an important milestone in our collective efforts to protect clean athletes and uphold the credibility of sport in Lesotho,” said Motšeremeli.
“The responsibility now lies with the graduates to share this knowledge and promote a culture of fair play.”
The LNOC also expressed gratitude to the team of presenters who facilitated the workshop, namely Thabo Kholopo, Limpho Makhoali, Dr. Makhetha Mosotho and Dr. MapepeMahao, whose expertise contributed significantly to the success of the programme.
Among the participants was Lerato Denteh, an Executive Committee Member of the Lesotho Athletes Commission (LAC), who represented the commission during the national anti-doping education course.
Following her successful completion of the programme, Denteh has been designated as the LAC Anti-Doping Education Focal Point. In this role, she will be responsible for coordinating anti-doping awareness campaigns, supporting education dissemination, and promoting athlete protection initiatives within the commission.
The national course forms part of broader efforts to strengthen anti-doping awareness, promote clean sport principles and enhance capacity in athlete welfare and anti-doping education throughout Lesotho.
Summary
- The Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) has taken a significant step towards promoting clean sport and strengthening athlete protection through the successful implementation of its Anti-Doping Education and Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) Training of Trainers Workshop.
- The initiative was officially launched by LNOC Chief Executive Officer, Morake Raleaka, who described the programme as a strategic investment in the future of sport in Lesotho.
- The national course forms part of broader efforts to strengthen anti-doping awareness, promote clean sport principles and enhance capacity in athlete welfare and anti-doping education throughout Lesotho.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
