YOUTH GROUP LAUNCHES CONTEST, ANNOUNCES YADAPELOUZA EVENT

Youth Against Drug Abuse has plans for local students in the next few months.

Thursday at the Porcupine Health Unit, the YADA executive launched
its media contest.

"All youth in the community are invited to send us a television
commercial, radio spot, newspaper article, poem or short story," said
YADA chairwoman Danielle Rocheleau. "As long as the submissions
follow the criteria, everything will be considered."

The submissions for the contest must address two questions -''What
does YADA mean to you?' and 'How do you stay connected with life?'

The work put into the winning projects will not be in vain.

"The winning entries will be used as promotional tools for YADA,"
Rocheleau said.

March 22 is the deadline for entries and on March 29, the winner will
be announced.

Rocheleau also announced Thursday YADA will hold workshops, likely in
April. Yadapelouza, an educational event where students will be able
to participate in games and challenges, will be held May 31.

The workshops will be held by local community experts at the area
high schools during Grade 9 and 10 health classes.

Topics for the student workshops include liability, impairment,
personal safety and decision making, the physical effects of
use/abuse and risk reduction and personal problems.

"We're really looking forward to getting the message out about YADA
and all we do," said YADA vice-chairwoman Tanya Champagne. "So far
we've had a really positive response. The schools and teachers have
been backing us."

Champagne said plans for Yadapelouza have yet to be finalized.

Entries for the media contest can be sent to the Porcupine Health
Unit, 169 Pine St. S., Timmins Ont., P4N 8B7.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the group can e-mail
yadateam@yahoo.com.