WADA - 2024 Summer Paralympic Games IO Report

Report of the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games Paris, France INDEPENDENT OBSERVERSPage 2/42 IO Report Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - version dated June 2025 Table of content PART 1: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 3 1.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................. 3 2.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................. 3 3.0 WADA INDEPENDENT OBSERVER TEAM ................................................................ 4 3.1 Mandate, Role, Composition and Function ................................................................... 4 4.0 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATION ............................................................................ 7 4.2 Methodology and on-site activities ................................................................................ 8 5.0 OVERVIEW OF THE GAMES ...................................................................................... 8 5.1 Key players ................................................................................................................... 9 5.2 Operational approach ................................................................................................. 10 5.1 Paris 2024 Anti-Doping Guide and IPC Website ........................................................ 12 PART 2: DOPING CONTROL PROGRAM .......................................................................... 13 6.0 TESTING .................................................................................................................... 13 6.2 Pre-Games Testing Task Force and Pre-Games activities ......................................... 13 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION PHASE ...................................................................................... 18 7.1 Out-of-Competition Testing ......................................................................................... 19 7.2 In-Competition Testing ............................................................................................... 20 8.0 INTELLIGENCE AND COOPERATION WITH APMUS ............................................. 21 9.0 SAMPLE COLLECTION ............................................................................................. 22 9.1 Sample Collection Personnel ...................................................................................... 22 9.2 Sample Collection Sessions ....................................................................................... 23 10.0 ANALYSIS OF SAMPLE IN LONG TERM STORAGE PRE-GAMES ........................ 27 11.0 LAB, TRANSPORT .................................................................................................... 27 12.0 TUE ............................................................................................................................. 28 13.0 RESULT MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................... 30 13.1 Independent Anti-Doping Tribunal: ............................................................................. 31

11.0 LAB, TRANSPORT .................................................................................................... 27 12.0 TUE ............................................................................................................................. 28 13.0 RESULT MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................... 30 13.1 Independent Anti-Doping Tribunal: ............................................................................. 31 14.0 EDUCATION AND ATHLETES ENGAGEMENT ....................................................... 32Page 3/42 IO Report Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - version dated June 2025 Part 1: Introduction 1.0 Acknowledgements Conducting an Independent Observer Team (the IO Team) mission during the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games (hereinafter referred to as ‘Games’) upon the invitation of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) was an exciting adventure after two editions marked by health restrictions. Fans around the world were able to enjoy sporting performances in spectacular venues in a powerful atmosphere, and the members of the WADA IO Team felt privileged to be part of this unique experience. The successful preparation and execution of our mission was made possible by the incredible welcome we received from the IPC, AFLD and Paris 2024 staff, employees, volunteers and others involved in the development and implementation of the anti-doping program during the Games. For this great cooperation, the IO Team would like to thank in particular Jude Ellis and the IPC AntiDoping Team composed of Phillip Riemann, Tsebo Mahlophe and Zinzi Sitoto as well as other IPC colleagues namely Liz Riley, Adam Thew and Judith van der Veen. We are also grateful to Francesca Rossi and the AFLD colleagues not forgetting David Herbert, Head of Anti -Doping at the Paris 2024 Organising Committee and his team for the long hours they spent answering our questions and considering our daily recommendations. Special recognition must be given to the Sample Collection Personnel, Blood Collection Officials (BCOs), Doping Control Officials (DCOs) and volunteers, without whom the Anti-Doping Program could not have taken place, for their tremendous work and their continued motivation and commitment under all circumstances. Finally, there are not enough words to express our gratitude to the athletes, their support personnel as

(BCOs), Doping Control Officials (DCOs) and volunteers, without whom the Anti-Doping Program could not have taken place, for their tremendous work and their continued motivation and commitment under all circumstances. Finally, there are not enough words to express our gratitude to the athletes, their support personnel as well as the International Federation staff present at the venues. Without their goodwill and enthusiasm, the experience would not have been the same. 2.0 Executive Summary In agreement with the IPC, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appointed 5 members to constitute an Independent Observer (IO) Team, that was present at the 2024 Paralympic Games that took place in Paris, from August 28 to September 8, to monitor the effectiveness and compliance of the anti-doping program. The IO program’s mission is to enhance confidence in anti -doping processes by ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to the World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards. By conducting independent reviews and evaluations, the IO Team aims to safeguard the integrity of sport and provide constructive recommendations for improvement. This report outlines key observations, challenges and opportunities to further strengthen the anti-doping system at future major events.

Key Achievements: The collaborative efforts between the IPC, Paris 2024 Local Organizing Committee (LOC), and the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) ensured the anti-doping program met the required standards and that key elements of the anti-doping program such as the infrastructure, logistics and Sample Collection Personnel (SCP) where well planned and supported the successful delivery of the anti-doping program during the Games. The Test Distribution Plan (TDP), underpinned by thorough Risk Assessment (RA) and intelligence, was tailored to the demands of the Games. The IO Team believes that this targeted approach globally resulted in efficient resource allocation and strategic testing, particularly in high-risk sports.Page 4/42 IO Report Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - version dated June 2025

The IO Team commends the IPC for the significant efforts it has made to implement recommendations

approach globally resulted in efficient resource allocation and strategic testing, particularly in high-risk sports.Page 4/42 IO Report Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - version dated June 2025 The IO Team commends the IPC for the significant efforts it has made to implement recommendations from the previous IO report, such as the establishment of a PreGames Testing Task Force, a robust and efficient results management system, the establishment of clear TUE procedures and the promotion of a reporting platform allowing athletes, their support personnel and all others who may have information to share regarding a possible Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) to share such information in the WADA Speak-up platform and consequently to the IPC While the program has been successful in many areas and has been a strong advocate for clean sport, some challenges emerged that require attention for future events and are summarized below.

Main areas of recommendations:

1. Strengthen cooperation with key stakeholders: For the IPC to strengthen the cooperation with the future Sample Collection Authorities (SCA) to align the requirements for the implementation of testing activities. In addition, increasing the engagement with International Federations (IFs), National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) and Regional Anti -Doping Organizations (RADOs) and National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) at least 12 months prior to the Games would ensure the necessary testing and education requirements are incorporated into their plans and maximize the effectiveness of the program.

2. Adapt training of SCPs to specificities related to Para Sport and athletes with impairments : Enhance the DCO, BCO and chaperone training program by putting more focus on specificities of athletes with impairments and the use in practical scenarios as well as Para sports-specific challenges.

3. Adopt innovative technological solutions: Transition to paperless systems for the sample collection process to optimize the use of human resources, reduce errors in the completion of DCFs, and increase the use of ADAMS and other tools to improve whereabouts collection.

4. Bring the education and awareness program to the next level : Strengthen the monitoring of

collection process to optimize the use of human resources, reduce errors in the completion of DCFs, and increase the use of ADAMS and other tools to improve whereabouts collection.

4. Bring the education and awareness program to the next level : Strengthen the monitoring of Pre-Games activities, reinforce the long-term cooperation with NPCs and look at ways to increase their monitoring on educational and awareness activities conducted prior to and during the event as already suggested in previous IO reports.

In summary, the anti-doping program of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games has been implemented by a competent, determined and friendly staff to a very high standard that meets the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Code and the International Standards. By addressing the challenges outlined and implementing these recommendations, the next edition of the Games could further raise the standards of fairness, transparency and effectiveness, thereby reinforcing the mission of protecting clean athletes and maintaining public confidence in sport. 3.0 WADA Independent Observer Team 3.1 Mandate, Role, Composition and Function Since its inception at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the IO Program's key objective has been to enhance athlete and public confidence at major sporting events by objectively monitoring and reporting on all phases of the doping control and results management processes. In recent years, the IO Program has evolved into a cooperative audit -style approach, providing onsite advice and recommendations based on its observations.Page 5/42 IO Report Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - version dated June 2025 On April 30, 2024, the IPC and WADA entered into an agreement for the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games in Paris, France, authorizing members of the WADA IO Team to observe procedures and Testing carried out in advance of and during the event. The IO Team's mandate was to assess and provide feedback on: • Test distribution planning; • Selection of competitors; • Provision of athlete whereabouts; • Training of sample collection personnel; • Implementation of the OOC and IC testing program; • TUE procedures; • Athlete notification and sample collection procedures;

provide feedback on: • Test distribution planning; • Selection of competitors; • Provision of athlete whereabouts; • Training of sample collection personnel; • Implementation of the OOC and IC testing program; • TUE procedures; • Athlete notification and sample collection procedures; • Transport and chain of custody of samples; • Results management process including hearings; and • Any other relevant areas under the 2021 WADA Code, International Standards or Technical Documents. The IO team was not present to evaluate the operation of the Paris laboratory during the Paralympic Games but was able to observe sample transport and chain of custody procedures. However, it is worth noting that a WADA laboratory expert was observing the Paris laboratory activities during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where similar procedures were in place. For this mission, the IO team represented a range of anti -doping professionals and athletes with different skills and expertise to observe and comment on the activities under observation. The IO Team consisted of the following members: • Mr. Diego Grippo (Argentina), President, Comisión Nacional Antidopage Argentina (Chair) • Mr. Valentin Capelli (France), Manager, Sport Movement Relations, WADA (ViceChair/Team Manager) • Ms. Rym Zerifi (Tunisia), Executive Manager, North Africa RADO (Expert) • Ms. Seena Omar Hatuqay (Jordan), Secretary General, West Asia RADO (Expert) • Mr. Patrick O’Leary (Ireland), Paralympian, WADA Athlete Council (Expert / Athlete)Page 6/42 IO Report Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - version dated June 2025 IO Team Members for the Paris 2024 Paralympics (from left to right) Diego Grippo, Rym Zerifi, Seena Omar Hatuqay, Patrick O’Leary, Valentin CapelliPage 7/42 IO Report Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - version dated June 2025 4.0 Acronyms and Abbreviation Acronym/Abbreviation Full Name

4.0 Acronyms and Abbreviation Acronym/Abbreviation Full Name ADAMS Anti-Doping Administration and Management System ADCOM Anti-Doping Communication (Communication Platform by the ITA with external stakeholders) ADRV Anti-Doping Rule Violation BCO Blood Collection Officer COMPASS Paperless Testing Platform by the ITA CCC Code Compliance Centre CCQ Code Compliance Questionnaire DBS Dried Blood Spot DCC Doping Control Coordinator DCCC Doping Control Coordination Centre DCF Doping Control Form DCO Doping Control Officer DCS Doping Control Station EG European Games EG2023 European Games 2023 EOC European Olympic Committee IC In-Competition iDCO international Doping Control Officer IF International Federation IO Team Independent Observer Team ISE International Standard for Education IS International Standards ITA International Testing Agency LOC Local Organizing Committee LTU NADO Lithuanian Anti-doping Organisation MedComAD Medical Commission and Anti-Doping MEO Major Event Organizer NADA Germany National Anti-Doping Agency of Germany NADO National Anti-Doping Organisation NOC National Olympic Committee POLADA Polish Anti-Doping Agency RA Risk Assessment RMA Results Management Authority RTP Registered Testing Pool SCA Sample Collection Authority SCP Sample Collection Personnel TA Testing Authority TDP Test Distribution Plan TP Testing Pool TUE Therapeutic Use Exemption TUEC Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee UA Unsuccessful Attempt WADA World Anti-Doping Agency WADC World Anti-Doping CodePage 8/42 IO Report Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - version dated June 2025 4.2 Methodology and on-site activities The first contact between the IO team and the IPC, took place in July 2024 where the IPC presented the key components of its anti -doping program for the Games as well as an introduction of the team members and the structures in place. This good collaboration continued throughout the Games. The

The first contact between the IO team and the IPC, took place in July 2024 where the IPC presented the key components of its anti -doping program for the Games as well as an introduction of the team members and the structures in place. This good collaboration continued throughout the Games. The main observation period for the IO Team began on August 26 and ended on the final day of competition on September 8, 2024. Once in Paris, the IO team made daily observations at both the Athletes Village and at competition venues and provided written reports of its observations and recommendations, which were discussed and responded to during coordination meetings between the IPC, the AFLD and the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee. These meetings were held initially on a daily basis and then every other day during the second half of the Games, and was where the IO team's observations were reported and was also where other operational matters impacting the anti -doping program were discussed by the IPC and the LOC. In addition to bilateral exchanges with all relevant stakeholders on their organization for the Games, specific working sessions were held with relevant IPC staff on topics such as pre-Games activities, testing program and intelligence management, education, TUEs and results management. Finally, the IO team was also able to attend two DCO/BCO refresher sessions, several venues volunteer site trainings and a team physician meeting focused on TUE procedures as part of their observations. Recommendation No. 1 WADA, IPC: It is recommended that WADA and the IPC explore ways to strengthen the exchanges and sharing of documents with the IO team at an earlier stage in the leading up to the Games. 5.0 Overview of the Games During the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games, both Paris 2024 Organizing Committee President Tony Estanguet and IPC President Andrew Parson pledged to "launch a Paralympic revolution". To achieve this, all parties involved have inc reased their efforts tenfold to deliver a record edition with more than 4,400 athletes sent by 168 delegations (NPCs from around the

Organizing Committee President Tony Estanguet and IPC President Andrew Parson pledged to "launch a Paralympic revolution". To achieve this, all parties involved have inc reased their efforts tenfold to deliver a record edition with more than 4,400 athletes sent by 168 delegations (NPCs from around the world) to compete in 549 medal events in 22 sports over 11 days from August 28 to September 8, 2024. Paralympic athletes were also able to benefit from the same amazing venues used during the Olympic Games. IO team members had the opportunity to visit the 18 venues in and around Paris, the Olympic Village in Saint Denis, and the Para shooting range in Chateauroux.Page 9/42 IO Report Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - version dated June 2025

5.1 Key players As governing body for the event and a signatory of the World Anti -Doping Code, the IPC was responsible for developing and directing the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games anti-doping programme. To fulfill this role, the IPC Anti-Doping Code which sets out the rules in which anti-doping will be conducted within was declared compliant with the Code by WADA. It is worth noting that the IPC acts both as the organizer of the Paralympic Summer and Winter Games, as well as the International Federation for five Para sports, it assumes the roles and responsibilities set out in Articles 20.2 and 20.3 of the Code respectively. While activities of the IPC as an IF were beyond the scope of the IO mission, this element will sometimes be highlighted in the report when it contributes to the MEO role of the IPC. The IPC Anti -Doping Code contains a Games Section (IPC Games Rules) which applied during the Games period from the opening of the Athlete Village on August 21, 2024, up to and including the day of the Closing Ceremony on September 8, 2024. All athletes qualified to the Games are considered as International Level Athlete by the IPC and can be subject to testing at any time during the Games period.

Games period from the opening of the Athlete Village on August 21, 2024, up to and including the day of the Closing Ceremony on September 8, 2024. All athletes qualified to the Games are considered as International Level Athlete by the IPC and can be subject to testing at any time during the Games period. The IPC signed agreement with IFs for transfer of authority of anti-doping programme jurisdiction, giving the IPC access to ADAMS information of the participating athletes during the Games. For the Paris 2024 Paralympics, all participants were required to accept and agree to comply with the IPC Anti-Doping Code as a condition of participation. Three main IPC’s departments were involved in the preparation and the delivery of the Anti -Doping program for the Games: • The IPC Anti -Doping Team, which focuses primarily on testing, intelligence and logistical implementation of the program.Page 10/42 IO Report Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - version dated June 2025 • The IPC Legal Department with a focus on results management and privacy, noting that the IPC has the capacity to conduct the entire results management process with the support of its Independent Anti-Doping Tribunal. • The IPC Medical team for all TUE related aspects, with the support of IPC TUE Committee. As the Major Event Organisation for the Paralympic Games, the IPC delegated the responsibility for sample collection, including the logistics required to support that the local organizing committee, namely the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee (Paris 2024 LOC), as described in the Paris 2024 Anti -Doping Guide, which was shared with all stakeholders prior to the Games.

A third actor, the French National Anti -Doping Agency ("AFLD"), also played a central role on the ground, in the implementation of sample collection, working with and supporting the Paris 2024 LOC in various aspects. Finally, the WADA-accredited laboratory in Paris (LADF) was selected by the LOC to analyze samples collected during Paris 2024 Games. 5.2 Operational approach

ground, in the implementation of sample collection, working with and supporting the Paris 2024 LOC in various aspects. Finally, the WADA-accredited laboratory in Paris (LADF) was selected by the LOC to analyze samples collected during Paris 2024 Games. 5.2 Operational approach To facilitate communication, information sharing and emergency management, the Doping Control Command Center (DCCC), located in the Athletes Village, was the nerve center for the implementation of the anti-doping program. Operational staff from the IPC, Paris 2024 LOC and AFLD were all located on the same floor to carry out their respective activities. The three organizations discussed the division of roles and responsibilities during pre-Games meetings. For these Games, the IPC was responsible for developing the test distribution plan for the event, adjusting it based on the results of the intelligence and live test selections, coordinating whereabouts collection with the NPCs, and overseeing the implementation of the program. The IO team was always well received by the four IPC Anti-Doping staff working in the DCCC and the four external experts from other Anti-Doping Organizations brought in to support their work. The planning and management of the Sample Collection Sessions was in the hands of the Paris 2024 LOC team for the logistical side, including the management of Sample Collection Personnel, the preparation of the DCS and the collaboration with other functional areas (e.g. transport and volunteers). The AFLD was responsible for the selection and day -to-day management of the DCOs, BCOs, the concrete implementation of the test distribution plan provided by the IPC, and the delivery of the samples to the laboratory and the entry of DCFs into ADAMS.Page 11/42 IO Report Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - version dated June 2025 However, as highlighted in the next section of the report, the IO team did observe at times a lack of clarity and preparation in certain areas of the anti -doping program including the implementation of OOCT due to challenges in the collection of whereabout s (see recommendations 15/16) , the

However, as highlighted in the next section of the report, the IO team did observe at times a lack of clarity and preparation in certain areas of the anti -doping program including the implementation of OOCT due to challenges in the collection of whereabout s (see recommendations 15/16) , the recruitment and management off SCP (see recommendations 21/23/25) or the use of paperless system for DCFs( see recommendation 10) . The working methods established by the Paris 2024 LOC and the AFLD for the Paralympic G ames were identical to those established during the Olympic Games, ensuring that lessons learned were implemented. While there were clear benefits from the work carried out during the Olympic Games, the IO team felt that it would have been beneficial for the IPC and Paris 2024 to have set-up additional mechanisms during the preparation phase to better plan the transition between the Olympics and the Paralympics and to guarantee that Paris 2024 and the AFLD addressed some specific requirements related to Para athletes and Para Sport. Earlier cooperation could also have allowed the IPC and AFLD staff to fully focus on implementing the ambitious testing program being set up for the Games, while reducing the intense workload on some individuals in the DCCC. The IO team believes that strengthening interconnection between staff of the three organizations prior to the Games for instance via a stronger involvement of one NADO staff in the LOC team and in the DCC could have assisted with greater sharing of information and to facilitate quicker action of certain issues. Overall, the IO team observed that both the IPC and the AFLD had a very strong and dedicated team of experienced individuals from their own organizations. In addition, inviting several experts from other ADOs was clearly beneficial for the quality of the program as well as the legacy of the activities. On its side, the Paris 2024 LOC has a dedicated and dynamic team of young professionals to support the development and implementation of a high-quality anti-doping program. The IO Team Chair and Vice-Chair were invited to attend the daily meeting between representatives of the three organizations, where they exchanged feedback on the previous day's challenges. The IO team

development and implementation of a high-quality anti-doping program. The IO Team Chair and Vice-Chair were invited to attend the daily meeting between representatives of the three organizations, where they exchanged feedback on the previous day's challenges. The IO team could also call the two 24/7 hotlines set up for SCP t o communicate their logistical or technical issues directly to the team. Other channels of communication, including chat groups and email were also available but reserved to SCP. Commendation No 1 IPC, AFLD: The IO team commends the IPC and AFLD for their decision to involve several volunteers from other ADOs in the DCCC, including colleagues from NADOs who will be involved in the delivery of other Games in the near future. Such collaboration was beneficial to the program, to strengthening inter-organizational cooperation, and to the legacy of the Games. Commendation No 2 Paris 2024, AFLD: The IO Team commends Paris 2024 LOC and AFLD for having setting-up a system of 24/7 hotlines allowing SCP to raise in real time any concerns and challenges to the DCCC. Recommendation No 2

IPC: Acknowledging the challenges in dealing with LOC organizing both the Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as the important efforts made by the IPC prior to the Games, the IO Team recommends that the IPC reinforces cooperation with the LOC/SCA during the preparation phase for future editions for example by setting-up clear milestones with the actors involved that could be monitored to guarantee that specific needs and requirements of the event are better integrated in the LOC/SCA planning of activities

Recommendation No 3 IPC, LOC, NADO To guarantee smooth implementation of the testing program during the event and real time management of any crisis, the IO team recommends that all parties (IPC, the LOC and the NADO) uphold a one team approach both in the lead up and during the Games (within the DCCC).Page 12/42 IO Report Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - version dated June 2025 IPC Jurisdiction

NADO) uphold a one team approach both in the lead up and during the Games (within the DCCC).Page 12/42 IO Report Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - version dated June 2025 IPC Jurisdiction According to the IPC Games Regulations for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the IPC had the authority to conduct IC and/or OOC Testing of Athletes who were registered to participate in the Games during the Games period, i.e. from the opening of the Athletes' Village on August 21, 2024, i.e. 7 days prior to the Opening Ceremony, until the day of the Closing Ceremony, i.e. September 8, 2024. As of August 4, all athletes requiring a TUE were required to apply to the IPC TUE Committee. Once again, it is worth noting that the IPC acts as the International Federation in four summer sports that are represented at the Games for which it is responsible for throughout the year. It is also worth highlighting that the IPC is currently facilitating the exit of these sports out of the IPC, leaving the IPC to focus on its key role as the leader of the Paralympic Movement and the MEO for the Paralympic Games.

Recommendation No 4

IPC: The above mentioned changes undertaken by IPC regarding its role as IF, combined with the limited resources that other ADOs have to test Para Athletes, lead the IO Team to recommend that the IPC consider extending its jurisdiction a few weeks/months prior to the Games to allow the IPC, or a delegat