05/04/2024

NCPADD St. Lucia Harnessing the Power of Sport for Health
and Harmony

By NCPADD

As the world commemorates International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on
April 6th, National Committee for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency
(NCPADD) St. Lucia is proud to announce its collaboration with communities across St.
Lucia in introducing the “Sports Hero Trophy Friendly Games” initiative and “Families
Affair” fun day events. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to leveraging
the transformative power of sports in promoting health, fostering unity, strengthening
familial bonds, and preventing substance abuse.
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace serves as a poignant reminder of
the profound impact that sports can have on individuals and communities, world-wide.
NCPADD recognizes the intrinsic connection between sports, physical activity and overall
well-being, making this occasion an opportune moment to engage communities in activities
that promote positive lifestyle choices and social cohesion.
Through the Sports Hero Trophy Friendly Games, NCPADD aims to provide individuals of
all ages with a platform to channel their energy and passion into healthy competition. By
fostering a spirit of camaraderie and teamwork, these friendly games will not only promote
physical fitness but also cultivate essential life skills such as resilience, discipline and
respect for others—qualities that serve as protective factors against substance abuse.
In addition to the friendly competition of the Sports Hero Trophy Friendly Games, NCPADD
is also proud to introduce “Families Affair” -- a family-focused activity designed to promote
bonding and communication within families. Research has shown that strong family
connections serve as a protective factor against substance abuse, making these activities
a crucial component of our prevention efforts. From relay races to obstacle courses, these
interactive activities offer families an opportunity to create lasting memories while
reinforcing the importance of healthy living.
At NCPADD, we firmly believe that prevention is key to mitigating the complex and far-
reaching tentacles of alcoholism and drug dependency in the society. It is for this cause we
have dubbed our strategic action for 2024 ‘NCPADD: Strengthening Prevention’.
By promoting sports and physical activity as healthy alternatives to substance use, we
empower individuals to make positive choices that contribute to their overall well-being and
resilience. Through our collaborative efforts, we are committed to harnessing the power of
sports for health and harmony, building a brighter future for generations to come.

As we celebrate International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, let us unite in our
efforts to promote physical activity, foster social inclusion, and prevent substance abuse.
Together, we can create a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and
fulfill their potential—both on and off the field.