First annual ABCD Bon Soo Olympics was huge success with focus on enjoying Natural Highs

Project ABCD (Action for Building a Community that is Drug-free) was first introduced in 2009 as a means of bringing together community partners to jointly look at the impact that drug use was having in our community, its impact as it found its way into our schools and to begin strategizing around how to address the issue.

Students have been an integral part of the conversation since day one. Over the years students have helped to shape the direction the campaign is going. In the beginning there were guest speakers and resources shared that understandably focused on a “don’t do drugs” message. Over time students have shared that “being lectured to” is not always an effective way to get a message relayed to their peer group. They suggested that Project ABCD shift to messaging focused on “alternatives to doing drugs”. There are ways of having fun and being stimulated that have nothing to do with drugs and alcohol and so the focus shifted to exploring and promoting “natural highs”.

In November 2014 at a Project ABCD brainstorming session, students from all Algoma District School Board (ADSB) and Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) high schools determined that they wanted to take part in an activity that clearly demonstrated the students’ commitment to promoting natural highs. Bon Soo was a perfect partner and with their assistance , ABCD Bon Soo School Olympics was launched.