DUSHANBE, February 24, 2012, Asia-Plus — The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) section of the U.S. Embassy and local partner NGO National Olympic Academy (NOA) organized an anti-drug dance competition titled “Jam Master” at the Spartak Youth Center in Dushanbe on February 19, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe said.
Continuing with INL’s “Sport Against Drugs” campaign, youth aged 10-23 from Dushanbe competed in the fields of break-dancing, hip-hop, parkour, and Latin American dance. The Committee of Youth, Sports and Tourism under the Government of Tajikistan and the Federation of Dance Sport of Tajikistan helped organize the event.
The campaign started with a short youth theatre performance on the consequences of drug abuse and a slideshow of famous people who died from drug overdose. At the end of the performance, young actors encouraged participants to lead a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. An audience of nearly 100 people showed up to watch their peers demonstrate fun, healthy activities. After the event, volunteers distributed information booklets about the dangers of drug use, provided by the NGO Children’s Legal Center and the NOA. Spectators also received flyers with information about how to get involved in dance.
The “Sport Against Drug” Campaign is part of the INL Drug Demand Reduction Program for 2011-2012. Within the framework of this program, INL has awarded more than $300,000 in grants to local and international non-governmental organizations covering all four regions of Tajikistan. Six local NGOs and one UK-based international organization were given grants to combat drug abuse and help prevent drug addiction. The seven projects selected will promote healthy lifestyles among vulnerable groups through educational campaigns and sports, dance, theatre, and other activities.
The United States Government is committed to continuing its support and assistance to the people of Tajikistan. Since 1992, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe has provided approximately $984 million in programs that support Tajikistan’s democratic institutions, health care, education, economic growth, enhancing border security, strengthen rule of law, and combat drug trafficking.
