As the problem of doping in sport continues to be widely debated, Bond University law students are preparing to tackle the issue head-on in the annual Global Sports Law Moot, against law students from the prestigious 'Universite Paris 13', part of the Sorbonne University in Paris, France.
Paralympic swimming gold medallist and Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) legal counsel Annabelle Williams will be one of three judges adjudicating the bilingual moot on March 16.
The multi-talented lawyer and sportswoman, who was born with a congenital limb deficiency leaving her without a lower left arm, graduated with a double degree in law and international relations from Bond University in 2013.
The international virtual mooting competition will be held in Bond University's Global Links Room, a state-of-the-art multimedia learning space featuring dual screen web and video conferencing facilities, enabling the Bond University team to compete with the Universite Paris 13 students, based in Paris, in real-time.
Professor Jim Corkery of Bond University's Faculty of Law, said the Global Sports Law Moot was an intellectually demanding exercise designed to put students on the world stage through the most global of activities – sport.
"This is the only competition of its kind in the world. It is a prime example of the globalisation of education on the Gold Coast, particular here at Bond University," said Professor Corkery.
"Students will simulate the international Court of Arbitration for Sport and argue on the issue of doping in sport, which has recently gained much attention in relation to high profile athletes Maria Sharapova and, before her, Lance Armstrong.
"To have such a sports star and role model like Annabelle Williams here to adjudicate the competition is a privilege and pleasure. As part of the global Olympic movement, Annie brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience to the judging panel.
"We look forward to welcoming her back to Bond University."