Anti-dope testing at the Pacific Mini Games is going along fine, says the person in charge of testing.

Natanya Kavatahi Potoi from the Oceania Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO) in Fiji says that in the first week, they conducted about 50 percent of the tests that they want to carry out.

Potoi says their tests have involved randomly selecting from those who win medals and those whose countries do not come into contact with testing on a regular basis. She says there has been general acceptance by athletes who have been selected for testing.

However, Potoi says those who are not familiar with procedures – which involves giving a urine sample in full view of the accompanying chaperone – have found it tough.

“That will come, though, with more education and awareness.”

The samples will be shipped to a Sydney laboratory which has been accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and Potoi says the Pacific Games Council should have results back by the middle of this month. - Cook Islands News