Superior Secondary Schools Athletic Association Welcomes Tobacco-free Sports Policy
February 21, 2008 - The Thunder Bay District Health Unit congratulates the Superior Secondary Schools Athletic Association (SSSAA) for adopting a tobacco-free sports policy that applies to all athletes, coaches and officials. As well, it reminds all spectators that watch SSSAA games to refrain from using tobacco on school property.
New indoor signs communicating the policy have now been placed on the floor at the entrance to gymnasiums. The graphic design of these signs is very eye-catching and draws people’s attention downward. Signs have also been posted outside of all high schools saying, “Please respect the tobacco-free policy in effect for all athletes and spectators. This ensures a healthy athletic environment for all”.
“Youth have expressed the need of a supportive environment,” explains Susan Trevisan, a Public Health Nurse promoting Tobacco-free Sports. “As a community we have a responsibility to help youth make healthy lifestyle decisions. Part of growing up for many youth is being part of a team or club where they participate in fitness activities and develop important social networks which influence their behaviour.”
Cigarettes aren’t the only target. The tobacco industries have had some success with the illusion that it’s safer to use a smokeless product. Lauri McFarlane, Athletic Director at St. Ignatius High School points out, “I believe that we need to continue educating our young people about the dangers of smoking and chew tobacco and their impact on our society. Tobacco-free sports encourage students within our school system to think twice before becoming a victim of the Big Tobacco companies who prey on our youth."
Support for this new policy was reinforced by Peer Leaders involved in the “Youth Engaged in Tobacco-free Initiatives” program. “As an athlete, I know how important it is to promote a healthy lifestyle, including a tobacco-free life”, says Alex Kranyak, a YETI Peer Leader.
Media are invited to take photos of the new signs and discuss the new policy with Lauri McFarlane.
Parents and coaches can get more information on Tobacco-free Sports by visiting the Health Unit website at www.tbdhu.com.
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