ISLAMABAD: Football matches were held at the Jinnah National Stadium on Saturday, under the theme ‘Save Tomorrow II – Time to Remember, Time to Act’, to raise awareness about drug abuse.

The matches were organised by the Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation, which works to raise awareness about drug abuse among teenagers through teacher trainings, campaigns, theatre and sports. The event was held to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day.

Cristina von Sperling Afridi, the founder and chairperson of the foundation, said: “International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on Aug 31 each year to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a legal and illegal drug-related death.

“It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends by remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. Save Tomorrow II provided an opportunity for people to publicly mourn for loved ones through lighting candles in remembrance.”

She added: “With 135 million young people under the age of 25 in Pakistan we must raise awareness and spread information on the adverse effects of drugs on individuals, families and the society at large. Today we are here to watch matches between the best of our young sports people and with the continued support of companies and organisations we can take team sports to greater heights.”

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Anti-Narcotics Force, Pakistan Sports Board, United States Educational Foundation of Pakistan, Fulbright Scholarships, the Islamabad Football Association, Jazz, the Pakistan Telecommunication Company and Serena Hotel partnered with the foundation.

The first match of the day was between the Young Rising Stars and the Islamabad Football Association Girls. The second match was between two boys’ teams, the Islamabad Football Association versus the Rawalpindi Football Association.

The Rising Stars won the girls’ match 2-1, while Islamabad beat Rawalpindi on penalties.

Tahira Abdullah, volunteering with the Pehli Kiran katchi abadi schools, said: “The KKAWF continues its innovative and creative initiatives to raise awareness of drug abuse, and to encourage and motivate Pakistani students to join in the global children’s movement against drug addiction through sports events. Last year KKAWF organized a cycle race and this year it was girls’ and boys’ football matches.”

She added: “It is especially gratifying that the founders of KKAWF, Christina and Tariq Afridi, go the extra mile to invite and ensure the participation of students of the Pehli Kiran katchi abadi schools around Islamabad. It is indeed heart-warming to see deprived children so excited just to be there, and enjoying themselves so much.”

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2017