The WCF have partnered with WADA to deliver the programme ©WCF

The World Curling Federation (WCF) has partnered with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to promote clean sport at next month’s World Junior Curling Championships in Gangneung, South Korea.

During the competition, which will take place from February 16 to 26, athletes, coaches and support staff will take part in various educational activities.

They will also sign the "Clean Sport Pledge", a WADA initiative which has been run at a series of international events worldwide.

The agreement marks the first time the WCF and WADA have partnered to deliver the latter’s Legacy Outreach programme.

It is hoped that the programme will assist International Federations in delivering sustainable anti-doping awareness programmes for their athletes.

"As the international governing body for curling it is our job to educate our athletes, coaches and administrators about our commitment to clean sport and their responsibility to curl clean," said Kate Caithness, WCF President.

"I truly believe there is no better way to do this than to deliver this message to our young athletes in a fun and engaging way.

"That being said, I’m grateful to WADA for their support at the World Juniors and I’m looking forward to following all the fun on social media."

Helle Simonsen was given a 15-month ban last year after being deemed to have committed a violation ©Getty Images
Helle Simonsen was given a 15-month ban last year after being deemed to have committed a violation ©Getty Images

The WCF said that pictures and videos will be posted on social media during the Championships, to promote the hashtags #CurlClean and #PlayTrue.

The outreach programme follows similar initiatives run in the past two years, which have involved the International Triathlon Union, International Ski Federation, International Cycling Union and the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation.

"WADA is very pleased to partner with the WCF on this latest Legacy Outreach event," said Olivier Niggli, WADA’s director general.

"As the leader of clean sport, it is important for us to reach athletes in every sport and in every part of the world, to help ensure that the next generation upholds the same values and clean sport ideals that we cherish today.

"Curling is a great example of a sport playing its part to maintain a level playing field for its athletes."

Last year, Danish curler Helle Simonsen, a bronze medallist from the European Championships in 2007, tested positive for banned steroid androstane.

The Danish Curling Federation (DCF) claimed the positive test came as a result of her trying to fall pregnant by taking a herbal remedy.

Simonsen has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which causes an imbalance in hormones.

The matter was passed to the WCF Independent Panel who ruled there was no intention to dope, but they still declared that the Dane had committed a violation.

She was banned for 15-months.