Details are scant in this article on drugs and football. One hopes the activities are evidence-informed.
Jamie
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MFF, US kick off anti-drug programme in Myanmar
no byline
The Myanmar Times
15 November 2019
The United States Embassy and Myanmar Football Federation have teamed up to host the Community Champions sports programme aimed at fighting against drugs.
They kicked off the programme on Wednesday with an opening ceremony at the National Football Academy in Yangon.
“Sports are an important way to bring teams and communities together. Strong teams can support stronger communities and help them address difficult social issues,” US Ambassador Scot Marciel said in a statement on Wednesday.
“In both the United States and Myanmar, communities are facing a drug epidemic. We think that through teamwork and understanding, coaches and teammates can be examples of empathy for members of their community facing drug dependency,” he said in the statement.
Two athletes each from the US and Myanmar will lead the Community Champions programme, which seeks to promote football as a way to build strong teams that can support members of their communities who are dealing with drug dependency. The team will lead football clinics in Yangon, Taunggyi and Mandalay from November 12 to 19 for Myanmar football coaches and players.
“Playing football can help build good habits, confidence, leadership, and discipline, which are the most important things in life. Anyone who plays can become a community leader and learn how to reach goals, handle mistakes, and cherish growth opportunities in life,” U Zaw Zaw, President of the Myanmar Football Federation said.
“Football can promote development of the people, something that will bring benefits to Myanmar as a developing country,” he added.
Community Champions also contributes to the 528 Love campaign, which provides friends and family of drug users with information about drug dependency to help them find ways to support their communities and prevent HIV/AIDS.
The campaign is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
American coaches Johnny Collins and Lisa Berg will team up with Myanmar athletes Myo Hlaing Win and Zin Mar Wann to conduct football clinics for 30 coaches and 300 players in the three cities.
The athletes are then expected to help build strong teams that can support and assist teammates struggling with drug dependency through love and friendship.
https://www.mmtimes.com/news/mff-us-kick-anti-drug-programme-myanmar.html
