Time to remember time to act

Islamabad

For the first time in Pakistan, the Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation (KKAWF) with the support of Federal Minister for IPC and President of Pakistan Sports Board, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, will celebrate a very important occasion — International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) — on Saturday August 27, 2016 at the Sports Complex Islamabad.

The event is being organised to emphasise that people need not feel shame or disgrace over an incident of drug overdose by a member of the family. Students, families and friends will come to enjoy time out; take a moment to reconnect and take youngsters out of the virtual world they live in and enjoy the real one, where you interact and share the joy of being together.

The event will have an amateur cycling race with four categories; junior, teen, youth and senior and a professional race showcasing one of the best bicycle racers of Pakistan; an open mike for paying tribute; candle light vigil; prize distribution; presentation of a Burka Avenger video and in conclusion, a short music show to wrap up the event on a positive note.

All schools are welcome to participate. Those without bikes and safety helmets can also participate by cheering the competition and enjoying the food offered by the stalls at the venue.

Students participating in the race should register in their schools and teachers will coordinate with KKAWF. Students can bring along friends with the condition of presenting their school’s identity card as access to the venue will be permitted only with a presentation of these cards.

The idea is to initiate the new school term in the right manner, highlighting the necessity of children getting engaged in physical education and healthy entertainment. In this month of the Olympiads in Brazil and the controversy on doping in sports, it is definitely time to remember what causes drug abuse and over dosage. It is a time to act!

Chairperson KKAWF, Cristina Afridi, reiterates that IOAD offers all who have been affected by this menace a chance to publicly mourn and help the community understand that fatal overdose is an issue that affects mainstream society. The day also serves as a warning that illicit drugs are dangerous and no one is immune to overdose. Also that with an increasing number of fatalities from prescription drugs, IODA is also a chance to realise that medicines are not always our friends. Painkillers and pharmacy drugs play an important role in regaining health but their careless use can have tragic long-term consequences. IOAD aims to raise awareness of overdose and to reduce the stigma of a legal and illegal drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends, remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. During the day thousands of people worldwide will stand alongside friends and families of fatal overdose victims to reflect on the loss of precious lives.

IOAD is a global event held each year on August 31 aiming to raise awareness of overdose and to reduce the stigma of a legal and illegal drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends, remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. During the day thousands of people worldwide will stand alongside friends and families of fatal overdose victims to reflect on the loss of precious lives.

Time to Act together and Stay Clean!