World No Tobacco Day - Tobacco free sports campaign begins

World No Tobacco Day is celebrated around the world every year on May 31.

This year's theme, led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is "Tobacco Free Sports". FIFA, the International Olympic Committee, and many other sports organisations worldwide have joined the campaign.

In Ireland, the Office of Tobacco Control has teamed up with the Irish Sports Council to produce a "Tobacco Free Sports" poster, which is available free of charge.

Tobacco free events are taking place all over the world. The best known is the 2002 FIFA World Cup in the Republic of Korea and Japan, which kicks off on World No Tobacco Day.
 
Many World Cup players have joined an EU campaign to prevent smoking among teenagers. The UEFA endorsed campaign features international stars like Zinedine Zidane, Paulo Maldini and Luis Figo as well as Irish internationals Damien Duff, Shay Given and Alan Kelly. The players emphasise the importance of not smoking and are encouraging young people to say no to tobacco.

Seriously good for players and spectators poster

It isn't just smokers who suffer from tobacco. Passive smoking or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is dangerous and can affect everyone – children are particularly vulnerable. Tobacco free sporting venues, facilities and events are good for the health of everyone. The Office of Tobacco Control and Irish Sports Council's poster promotes "Tobacco Free Sports" for all.

Join the Tobacco Free Team

Athletes, sports organisations, schools, colleges, sports media, spectators and everyone interested in physical activity, health or well being are invited to join the campaign for Tobacco Free Sports. Look out for events happening in your area and make your event tobacco free to protect the players, spectators, staff, volunteers, media and other visitors from the harmful effects of tobacco.

Support the campaign by displaying the "Tobacco Free Sports" poster! It is available free of charge from the Irish Sports Council, the Office of Tobacco Control, Irish Cancer Society, Irish Heart Foundation and health promotion departments of all the health boards and the Department of Health and Children.

View the World No Tobacco Day, tobacco free sport, and making your event tobacco free with WHO

View the FIFA Message on Tobacco Free Football

View the World No Tobacco Day website 

The Irish Cancer Society Quitline 1850 201 203 provides support and advice.