The weeklong football based intervention programme for recovery drug addicts concluded on Thursday.
The futsal tournament featured six different teams comprising of recovery addicts who battled out at the Khliehriat East Futsal Ground. The Blue team defeated the Purple and emerged victorious.
The tournament themed, “Goal Beyond Addiction”, was organised by the office of the East Jaintia Hills District Social Welfare Officer and the office of the Deputy Commissioner in collaboration with Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre, Khliehriat and funded through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Scheme.
Rymbai-Khliehriat MDC Violet Lyngdoh, who attended the final tournament as the chief guest, said such programmes serve to create community awareness on drug abuse and also in helping renew the lives of people who have fallen prey to drugs.
Lyngdoh stressed the need for collaborative efforts of all stakeholders including the district administration, community leaders and associations to combat the menace of drugs and also urged the students to stay away from any bad influences.
Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Sadar Manish Kumar highlighted the severe impact of drug abuse on society and family and stressed on the importance of early intervention to tackle the menace of drugs particularly focusing on the youth.
He also applauded the relentless efforts of all the stakeholders particularly the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) and OST Centre, Khliehriat, the Police Department and the BSF in tackling the menace of drugs in the district. He underscored the importance of rehabilitation and creation of sports facilities for the youth to channelise their energy in a positive manner and to motivate them to avoid substance abuse.
During the programme, all attendees took a pledge to live a drug-free life.
