Premier Recognizes World No Tobacco Day

Premier John Hamm is recognizing World No Tobacco Day by visiting a youth soccer club that has pledged to go tobacco-free.

The theme of World No Tobacco Day, which occurs on May 31, is Play it Clean--Tobacco Free Sports.

The Halifax Dunbrack Soccer Club mini-program, with close to 500 members aged four to 10, has adopted international tobacco-free guidelines that promote non-smoking and healthy living.

World No Tobacco Day comes just one day after the government passed comprehensive smoke-free places legislation to protect children and youth.

"The work of these players, parents, coaches and volunteers is one example of the tremendous effort to fight tobacco use that is occurring across our province," said the premier. "I am pleased that the new legislation will support their efforts."

Jacques Boudreau, technical director for the Halifax Dunbrack Soccer Club, said the benefits of Smoke Free Soccer reach far beyond the time a player spends on the soccer field.

"As a coach, a competitive player and a physical education teacher, I work with children and youth on a daily basis," said Mr. Boudreau.

"I support promoting all the elements a player needs to consider in making healthy lifestyle choices to further their ability. Choosing to be smoke-free is one of the most important choices a player can make."

Smoke Free Soccer is one of many initiatives advocated in the ACT (Action in your Community against Tobacco) tool kit. The kit contains ideas aimed at reducing the effect of tobacco use in communities. ACT is an example of community-based programming, which is a part of Nova Scotia's Comprehensive Tobacco Strategy. ACT is led by Cancer Care Nova Scotia and the Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Division in partnership with many other health groups.

The Halifax Dunbrack Soccer Club's adoption of international tobacco free guidelines coincides with the launch of the same guidelines for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.