WADA president Pound receives honorary doctor's degree at Beijing

Richard W. Pound, President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), received an honorary doctor's degree of Beijing Sports University here on Monday.

"It's a great honor for me to accept this (honorary degree) in the name of the World Anti-Doping Agency, and I see it as a clear symbol of the importance of unblemished sport you support," said Pound, who is on a three-day official visit to China.

"You demonstrated your determination to fight against doping through the degree," he said.

Pound is also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and was among the early supporters to the Olympic bid by Beijing. Despite the criticism from some of his western colleagues, Pound voted for Beijing in its bid for the 2000 Games.

"I am very happy to see the progress you have made towards the organization of the 2008 Games. And I am sure that you will organise the Games brilliantly in less than two years from now.

"It's an extraordinary chance for your country. I hope you can take advantage of the big chance to show what you have done to billions of people around the world."

Source: Xinhua