Havana, Jul 12 (IANS): The entire 110-member Cuban contingent of athletes heading to the 2012 London Olympic Games has been declared "free of illegal (performance-enhancing) substances" by Cuba's National Anti-Doping Brigade.

"That fact is another expression of our respect for fair play," said brigade director Yahumara Castro, adding that the rejection of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs reflected the "philosophy of a country that loves the practice of physical activity as a means to boost people's health".

Castro said the entire Cuban delegation had undergone one or more anti-doping tests and all tested negative, Xinhua reported, quoting the official daily Granma.

The tests were analysed at Havana's Anti-Doping Laboratory, which is certified by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Cuba hopes to better its medal count from the 2008 Beijing Games, where the country placed 28th with two gold, 11 silver and 11 bronze medals.