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The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, today (June 28) officiated at the opening ceremony of a large-scale anti-drug event, drawing the curtain on this year's territory-wide campaign against youth drug abuse. Over 1 000 youths and community leaders attended the event to pledge their commitment to fighting drugs.
The anti-drug event, co-organised by the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau (ND), the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), was held at the MacPherson Stadium in Mong Kok today in support of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26 and to rally the community's support for the anti-drug cause. The event has gained full support from a number of organisations, including Junior Police Call, schools and uniform groups, as well as popular artiste Mr Aaron Kwok and music band Tai Chi.
Mr Kwok was invited to be the "Anti-drug Ambassador" of the anti-drug campaign this year. The Under Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, presented the certificate of appointment to Mr Kwok, who pledged to actively promote anti-drug messages. Mr Kwok called on young people to participate in healthy activities and stay away from drugs. The music video of the event's theme song starring Mr Kwok, which aims to inspire young people to pursue their dreams with positive energy and resist the temptation of drugs, was launched at the event.
The band Tai Chi performed some songs and appealed to young people to be proactive in caring for friends in need and to spread the positive energy to fight against drugs. Tuen Mun Government Secondary School staged a Chinese orchestra performance.
A new TV Announcement in the Public Interest (API) was premiered at the event. To address the hidden drug abuse problem, the new API has been specially produced to encourage those with drug problems to seek help early. Apart from calling the 24-hour anti-drug hotline 186 186, people in need can also use the smartphone applications WhatsApp and WeChat to send messages to 98 186 186 to seek help. The API will be broadcast on TV and radio starting from tonight.
Before the conclusion of the event, Mr Lee and other guests led the participants to chant anti-drug slogans, demonstrating their resolve to fight drugs together.
After the opening ceremony today, various anti-drug publicity programmes will be launched. To complement the new TV and radio APIs, anti-drug advertisements and publicity materials will be shown and displayed on public transportation networks and the Internet, and at karaokes, bars and cinemas.
In addition, the ND and ACAN will partner with RTHK to launch a radio drama, a stage play and a series of radio interviews to promote anti-drug messages.
Besides targeting youths, radio programmes and workshops targeting parents will also be launched to encourage them to strengthen communication with their children and enhance their resistance to the temptation of drugs.
Other guests at today's event included the Chairman of ACAN, Professor Daniel Shek; the Chairman of ACAN Sub-committee on Treatment and Rehabilitation, Dr Ben Cheung; the Chairman of the ACAN Sub-committee on Preventive Education and Publicity, Dr Tik Chi-yuen; the Commissioner for Narcotics, Mrs Erika Hui, and the Deputy Director of Broadcasting (Developments), Miss Leonia Tai.
Ends/Saturday, June 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:32
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