World Junior Baseball Tobacco-Free
World Class Event Tobacco Free
Thunder Bay District Health Unit
THUNDER BAY, ON – As role models for youth and healthy activities, organizers of the 2010 IBAF World Junior Baseball Championship are making the games tobacco free. This is the first tobacco free international baseball tournament held in the City. The games are taking place from July 23rd to August 1st, 2010 at Port Arthur Stadium and Baseball Central.
All participating tams from Korea to Panama have adopted the Championship’s policy to not use tobacco products. This policy, which was established with the assistance of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, restricts the use of tobacco products by all players, team officials, organizers and contractors involved.
Larry Hebert, President, Thunder Bay International Baseball Association, says “each one of these young athletes is getting the chance to represent their country, and by doing that, they become role models for the youth of baseball. If we want our kids to be healthy and make thee right decisions regarding their bodies, they need to see those same decisions being made by the people they look up to.”
Having world class athletes lead by example is a common practice to influence youth behaviour. Tobacco-free influences are especially important on the Northshore and Thunder Bay since youth aged 14-19 living in our District report a higher rate of tobacco use than those in other parts of the province.
Tobacco free policies in sport are one of the newest trends that are helping to prevent tobacco use among athletes, coaches and fans. Sport leagues, recognizing the impact sports have on influencing a youth’s lifestyle and health are setting clear policies to stoop tobacco use during practices and during the game: both on the sidelines and n the stands among fans.
“We are very excited that this high-profile event has taken such an important step towards kids’ health,” says Dr. Henry Kurban, Acting Medical Officer of Health.
“The 2010 IBAF World Junior Baseball Championships are sending out a strong health message to sports leagues throughout the world about leadership and the importance of being tobacco-free. We hope that this encourages more local leagues, in all sports, to adopt a tobacco-free sports policy.”
The Health Unit’s tobacco prevention program will be hosting the championship game at Port Arthur Central on August 1st at 4:30pm. More information about tobacco-free sports will b available at that game or can be obtained by visiting www.TBDHU.com.
For more information on how to support tobacco free initiatives call the Thunder Bay District Health Unit at (807) 515-5900.
