2018 FIFA World Cup
Truth About Drugs Distribution
- The FIFA World Cup holds the record as the most-watched sporting event in history, with 3.2 billion viewers worldwide.
- Globally an estimated 13.5 million people take opioids every year. That’s nearly 37,000 people a day.
- This is the third consecutive World Cup with a massive IAS-sponsored Global Salvage campaign distribution.
- Over 57,000 people visit drugfreeworld.org daily.
The FIFA Soccer World Cup is the most widely viewed sporting event in the world.
This year the tournament is hosted in Russia—the first time in history that it takes place in Eastern Europe. There are 64 games in 11 cities across the country, with over 1.5 million tourists expected to attend from around the world.
Historically, with great sporting events, comes great drug usage. Therefore, to reach the many fans at this year’s tournament, the IAS has sponsored a grant for a massive distribution of the Truth About Drugs booklets, as well as flanking drug-education activities.
The booklet distribution will take place over the four-week World Cup tournament, and will focus on the major cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg, near their soccer stadiums.
With a flood of Truth About Drugs booklets placed directly into the hands of the end users, we can use this huge sporting event to save lives.
Here are examples of what people have to say after receiving the Truth About Drugs materials:
MOSCOW, RUSSIA:A drug lecture was given in a school in Moscow and this is what the students had to say: “Everything was very informative and interesting. This helps me make the obvious choice between a healthy lifestyle and the dangers of drugs and alcohol.”
“I learned that the harmful substances of drugs do not leave your body, even when you stop using them. I also now know that it’s better to replace the bad habits of drugs with useful activities. This really showed me what drugs can do to your life, so I will refrain from using them.”
MINNESOTA, USA:A young man wrote in after finding Drug-Free World online: “Although I’m only 14 years old, I do know a lot about drugs. I want to help other people who are addicted—especially young people. The opioid epidemic is a real problem in my hometown and school, along with alcohol and marijuana. I don’t do drugs, but I’ve been around them a lot and I know what they do to people. Even cough syrup, prescription medicine and over-the-counter drugs are harmful. It’s a real problem and I believe that I can help others.”
PADOVA, ITALY:“I started smoking marijuana when I was 15 because some friends made me try it. All the money I earned was spent on cigarettes, marijuana and alcohol. Three weeks ago I received your drug education booklets. I read about marijuana and I realized that it is very wrong to use drugs. I immediately stopped using marijuana and I even stopped smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. Now I feel very well and I use the money I earn to buy food and clothes. I want to volunteer to make other people understand how much drugs hurt and that it is wrong to use them. I want to thank you because I had fallen and you lifted me back up. Thank you so much for your fantastic work. You are sent by God.”
