As a signatory of the WADA Code, World Aquatics is proud to support this global movement, which highlights the individual responsibility of athletes, coaches, and all stakeholders in protecting the integrity of sport.

Since its inception, Play True Day has evolved into a worldwide movement with a growing impact, uniting sports organisations, athletes, and fans in their commitment to clean competition. The theme for 2025—Play True: It Starts with You—emphasises the personal responsibility each of us carries in ensuring that sport remains fair, clean, and free from doping.

💧World Aquatics' Commitment to Clean Sport

In line with Play True Day's message, World Aquatics continues strengthening its commitment to clean sport through various initiatives led by the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) and the International Testing Agency (ITA). These efforts help deter the use of banned substances and promote education on anti-doping practices across all levels of the sport.

One key development is the expansion of mandatory anti-doping education programs, particularly those targeted at athletes and team officials. Following the recommendations of the World Aquatics Anti-Doping Audit Review Committee, the scope of the Anti-Doping Education and Learning (ADEL) Programme has been broadened. Starting 1 May 2025, the programme will be mandatory for all athletes, coaches, medical staff, and other support personnel involved in World Aquatics events, ensuring that everyone involved in competition understands their responsibilities and the anti-doping regulations in place.

The ADEL for International-Level Athletes Education Programme has been made compulsory for all events registered through the Global Management System (GMS), including Junior Swimming Championships, Swimming Championships, and World Championships. Additionally, coaches, team leaders, medical professionals, and support staff must complete tailored courses to understand the complexities of anti-doping procedures better.

📘Expanding Education to Ensure Consistency

Athletes registered in the World Aquatics Registered Testing Pool will now need to complete the ADEL for Registered Testing Pool Athletes ensuring they are up-to-date with the latest anti-doping policies and requirements. This initiative is crucial in standardising anti-doping awareness across all World Aquatics competitions, ensuring that athletes and stakeholders are equally informed and prepared.

🌍 WADA's 25th Anniversary: A Global Movement for Clean Sport

WADA President Witold Bańka expressed pride in the Agency's milestone:  "WADA is proud this year to be celebrating its 25th anniversary. Born out of an urgency to tackle the doping problem in sport, the Agency's creation in 1999 activated the global collaborative movement for doping-free sport. Since then, athletes worldwide have benefited from the commitment of the global anti-doping community – past and present. Development of the global anti-doping system has been and will always be a true team effort. We have come a long way together and we must go further in raising the game for athletes worldwide, so please join us this Play True Day in celebrating 25 years as One Play True Team!" 

Play True Day continues to build on WADA's efforts this year, engaging sports federations, athletes, and fans worldwide in a unified message of fairness and integrity. Last year's campaign achieved a social media reach of 161 million, with nearly 160,000 engagements, demonstrating the growing global commitment to clean sport.

🤝 Join the Movement

On this Play True Day, World Aquatics invites its athletes, national federations, event organisers, and aquatic sports fans to pledge their support and join the movement. Whether competing at the elite level or cheering from the stands, #PlayTrue is a responsibility shared by all.

Together with the Aquatics Integrity Unit and the International Testing Agency, World Aquatics is proud to ensure that the spirit of clean competition remains strong across all aquatic sports.

📢 How to Participate

Join the global conversation on social media by sharing your Play True message using the hashtags #PlayTrueDay and #PlayTrue25. WADA's official toolkit with creative assets (in English, French and Spanish languages) here.

Let's continue to protect the integrity of our sport—for the next generation and beyond. Play True: It Starts with You.