Neighbor News
Race for a Drug-Free World at the Say No to Drugs Holiday Classic
Thousands gathered in Coachman Park to promote a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
On December 14, 2019, to raise awareness in the community of the dangers of drugs, 1,600 individuals, children and families participated in the 31st Annual Say No to Drugs Holiday Classic race. The 10K, 5K and 1-mile run for kids all started and ended in the Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater.
Started by elite athlete Sandra Johnson in 1988, “Our goal is to spread the positive message of ‘Say No to Drugs’ to as many people as possible,” said Sue Minkoff, a race director. “It is especially important to get this message to the younger generation—as they are the future—and we don’t want our future on drugs.”
After crossing the finish line, each runner was awarded with a medal, a goodie bag and served a fresh pancake breakfast, a long-time tradition of the race. Sports goods providers, chiropractors, nutritional supplement providers, the Florida chapter of Foundation for a Drug-Free World (FDFW) and more, each had a booth to promote good health and a drug-free lifestyle.
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FDFW, a nonprofit and anti-drug education organization sponsored by the Church of Scientology, got hundreds to sign the pledge to live drug-free for good. FDFW also distributes factual information on drugs to advocate for a drug-free world and educate youth to make smart choices.
“Knowledge is power,” said FDFW Florida chapter President, Julieta Santagostino at the race, “and at the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, we are working hard every day to empower others with knowledge. Be it through our educational seminars that are delivered throughout the state or by handing out our Truth About Drugs booklets to thousands at community events, door to door, at parades and sporting events like this one.”
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Foundation for a Drug-Free World:
The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a non-profit organization that educates youth and the community on the truth about illicit drugs so they can make the right decision to live drug-free. The Church of Scientology is a sponsor of the program making is possible for the Foundation to provide educational materials at no cost to educators, law enforcement and the community. Humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard said, “Marijuana for example, so favored by college students, who are supposed to be getting bright today so they can be the executives of tomorrow, is reported capable of causing brain atrophy.”
