TOBACCOFREE/GOVERNOR CRIST PROCLAIMS TOBACCO FREE FLORIDA WEEK BEGINNING MARCH 21
FOX Sports Florida, Sun Sports & Florida Sports Teams Partner on Weeklong Event with Tobacco Free Florida to Reach Fans Statewide
TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist has proclaimed March 21 through March 28 as Tobacco Free Florida Week to promote the Florida Quitline and local cessation services while raising awareness of the impact of secondhand smoke among at-risk populations. During the week, Floridians will be encouraged to recommend friends and loved ones to contact the Florida Quitline for help in overcoming their addition.
“Be Free for Me” will serve as the theme for weeklong school and community-based activities and large-scale sponsorships. Tobacco Free Florida partnered with FOX Sports Florida/ Sun Sports to extend the campaign’s message even further by utilizing popular pro and college teams. Tobacco Free Florida will be the focal point of six sporting events for the following teams: Orlando Magic, Florida State University Men’s Baseball, Florida Panthers, Miami HEAT, University of Florida Men’s Baseball and Tampa Bay Lightning (see game schedule below).
“Last year, our networks were extremely proud to work hand-in-hand with our professional and collegiate team partners across the state encouraging sports fans to live smoke free during the inaugural Tobacco Free Florida Week,” said Steve Liverani, Sr. VP/GM of FOX Sports Florida & Sun Sports. “This year, we want to reach out to those fans again, this time with the compelling message ‘Be Free For Me,’ providing them with the motivation and access to resources to help their families and loved ones live tobacco free. We are pleased to offer our media assets in conjunction with our team partners for the 2010 Tobacco Free Florida Week campaign.”
During the week, the Tobacco Free Florida Street Team will be in action traveling to various events across the state, including school pep rallies featuring athletes from the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat.
“Tobacco Free Florida Week is a statewide call to action that is essential in spreading the word about the dangers of secondhand smoke,” said Kim Berfield, Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Health. “By targeting collegiate and professional sporting events, the ‘Be Free for Me’ message will be highly visible and will attract those looking to quit or friends and family of loved ones to be referred to the services of the Florida Quitline.”
According to the CDC, secondhand smoke is estimated to cause 50,000 deaths per year and contains more than 250 toxic chemicals including 50 that can lead to cancer. There is no safe level of secondhand smoke. Protect yourself and those around you. Refer a friend or family member to the Florida Quitline at 1.877.U.CAN.NOW or online at www.floridaquitline.com.
For more information about Tobacco Free Florida, visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com
