George Bush signs anti-doping pact on eve of Olympics

It took the approach of the Summer Olympic Games to provide the spark, but the United States has ratified the international agreement against sports doping. President Bush signed the ratification papers just before leaving for Asia and a trip to the Games in Beijing, the White House announced.

The agreement, known formally as the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, was adopted by the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on Oct. 19, 2005. The Senate did not ratify U.S. participation until two weeks ago.

Bush had taken a very public stand against doping and said in a written statement announcing that he had signed the ratification instrument that the pact would be "a valuable tool in protecting the integrity of international sport and the health of athletes."

"Doping sends to young people the message that performance is more important than character and health," he said.

-- James Gerstenzang

Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta / Associated Press