CENTRE ON DRUGS IN SPORTS GETS $350,000 FROM OTTAWA

The federal government has given more than $350,000 to Winnipeg's Centre
for Substance Use in Sport and Health to help spread its anti-doping
message to athletes and other Canadians.

Denis Coderre, federal secretary of state for amateur sport, said Friday
it's the government's duty to do all it can to protect the integrity of
sport and athletes' health.

"Drug-free sport remains a priority of the government of Canada, both
domestically and internationally," said Coderre, who is also an executive
member of the World Anti-Doping Association, during the announcement at St.
Boniface General Hospital.

"When you talk about sports it's important to talk about values and fair
play ... we need to send a clear message through schools that if you want
to be a real champion you don't want to be a cheater."

SUSH was founded last May by University of Manitoba professors Jonathan
Geiger and Dean Kriellaars, and Winnipeg lawyer Howard Morry.

The not-for-profit centre's goal is to conduct anti-doping research and
educate Canadians on problems related to substance use.

Kriellaars said SUSH will soon launch its Web site, www.SubstanceUse.com,
to provide information to athletes and other Canadians about whether they
can use certain substances and still compete.

As well, Kriellaars said the Taking It program will provide education to
athletes, coaches and parents on how to make informed decision making when
considering substance use, while its Plan the Party program is designed to
minimize excessive alcohol consumption by athletes.