During the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the Foundation for a Drug-Free World (DFW) emerged as a key player in the global fight against drugs. Recognized by the UN for its efforts in drug education and prevention, DFW distributed over one million informative booklets to athletes, locals, and visitors, highlighting the risks of substance abuse and promoting informed decision-making for healthier living.
Brussels, Brussels, Belgium, 27th Aug 2024 - In Paris, France, during the 2024 Summer Olympics—a global celebration of sportsmanship and unity—a significant movement quietly emerged: the fight against drugs. With over 6 million people having gathered in the city and other host venues, hundreds of volunteers from Non a la Drogue, Oui a la Vie (No to Drugs, Yes to Life Association, the French chapter of Foundation for a Drug Free World) were delighted to find broad-based support from individuals and groups eager to contribute to the cause.
Central to this cause was the Foundation for a Drug-Free World (DFW), an organization recently recognized by the UN with Consultative Status to the Economic and Social Council for its worldwide efforts in drug education and prevention.
Drugs are at the root of immeasurable human suffering
“Drugs are at the root of immeasurable human suffering,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his message on the International Day Against Drug Abuse this year. “Evidence-based drug prevention programmes can protect people and communities alike, while taking a bite out of illicit economies that profit from human misery.”
During the Olympics, DFW focused on distributing over one million copies of "The Truth About Drugs" booklet to Parisians, athletes, authorities, and tourists in just a few weeks. These informative booklets, available in multiple languages, provided detailed insights into the risks associated with various substances such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, alcohol, and prescription drugs. They highlighted the impacts on physical and mental well-being and offered strategies for resisting peer pressure—crucial in an environment of high performance and stress. The goal was to equip individuals with the knowledge and resources to make informed choices about their health and well-being.
In addition to this massive distribution, DFW regularly hosts talks and workshops worldwide in schools, associations, companies, law enforcement agencies, and youth organizations. These sessions explore the reasons behind drug use, patterns of addiction, and the short, medium, and long-term consequences of substance abuse. Emphasizing awareness in decision-making is key to leading a fulfilling life. DFW's approach is rooted in extensive experience and evidence-based education, focusing on the realities of drug abuse and its harmful effects.
DFW's recent acknowledgment by the UN ECOSOC underscores its dedication to collaboration and effectiveness in fostering drug-free communities. The organization continues to expand its reach, implementing initiatives across different nations and collaborating with governments, schools, and healthcare entities, making a noticeable and much-needed impact in curbing drug use and related issues.
Engaging everyone to fight drugs
As Pope Francis said just before the Olympics, "All social, civil and religious institutions must be united to do what we do best and together create community. We can all collaborate and be part of sporting, educational and community spaces". "And we can only but agree with these words" said Ivan Arjona-Pelado "and in fact members of the Church of Scientology have been tackling this issue and joining forces with others since at least the late 60ies" he concluded.
Through the whole combined experience, an important accomplishment of DFW is by now its ability to engage people during crucial stages of their development. By offering age-appropriate information and resources, DFW helps prevent drug use before it begins. With over 100 groups across Europe, the network of Drug-Free World chapters extends support and guidance, particularly to youth, helping them choose not to start using drugs or to stop early if they have begun.
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Foundation for a Drug-Free World empowered both young individuals and adults to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being. Hundreds of shopkeepers around the Olympics enthusiastically contributed to this worthwhile task.
“Reaching out with a million Truth About Drugs booklets was a huge challenge,” said one Non a la Drogue volunteer asw can be read at the Scientology News website. “But we were welcomed by fans at Olympic venues and people we met on the streets. Shopkeepers saw the importance of sharing these booklets with their customers and were eager to take part in our outreach. We took on the challenge and hitting that target was amazing.”
“I heard so many poignant stories from people of all ages and backgrounds. Nearly everyone we spoke to suffered personally or experienced the devastating effects of drug abuse on a loved one or friend,” said another volunteer. “It was empowering to see how many people took our booklets seriously and wanted to contribute to our campaign.”
The success of DFW's activities during the 2024 Paris Olympics highlights the power of education and prevention. By providing information and resources, DFW has empowered individuals to make informed decisions for healthier living, offering an opportunity for hundreds of thousands to inform others in their families and communities. Beyond the Olympics, DFW continues its mission through a growing network of volunteers and partners.
The Foundation for a Drug-Free World (DFW) is an NGO supported by members of the Church of Scientology. "No one in France has ever carried out such impactful drug prevention activities within a few weeks, reaching not only locals and nationals but people from around the world," said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, EU Representative of the Church of Scientology. The Church's commitment to educating people about drugs and preventing substance abuse is rooted in its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, who strongly believed in the importance of education for an individual and their freedom and rights to live a drug-free life. Members of the Church actively contribute their time, resources, and expertise to further DFW's mission, ensuring its impact extends globally.
The Scientology religion, succesfully let since decades by its ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige, was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in Los Angeles in 1954 and the religion has expanded to more than 11,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 countries.
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