By Marlon Moraes
The passing of The Goa Prohibition Act of Smoking and Spitting, 1997 brought great joy upon the people of Goa who thought their beautiful state would soon be tobacco free. Almost 2 decades down the line the consumption of tobacco has changed, but for the worse. Where the numbers were expected to drop, they are actually on the rise as the number of smokers increase each day.
World No Tobacco Day is commemorated worldwide on 31st May to outline the dangers of using it. With the important day not too far away, the stakeholders in Goa are also putting their best foot forward to observe the cause.
Much importance was given to World No Tobacco Day last year. A number of activities and events were held across Goa to spread the message about the harmful effects of tobacco use. Events such as street plays, sand sculpture competitions, quiz competitions and a number of awareness programs were conducted.
What’s lined up this year?
In view of the upcoming World No Tobacco Day, The Deputy Director of South Zone Tourism Department, under the guidance of the Collector, South Goa, who also hold the post of Chairman Of the South District Co-ordination committee for Tobacco Control, are organizing a Sand Sculpture Competition at Colva Beach on the 29th of May 2016.
The competition will be held in two categories
- Professional Category: For the age group of 21 and above
- Student Category: For the age group of 15 to 21 years
The participants can either be an individual or a pair of not more than two people.
Theme
The theme for the event is Tobacco and Its Ill Effects
Prizes
Professional category:
1st Place: Rs. 15000/-
2nd Place: Rs. 10000/-
3rd Place: Rs. 5000/-
10 consolation prizes: Rs. 2000/- each
Student category:
1st Place: Rs. 5000/-
2nd Place: Rs. 3000/-
3rd Place: Rs. 2000/-
10 consolation prizes: Rs. 1000/- each
How to participate?
Entry forms for the event are to be collected from the South Zone Tourism Office.
The forms should be forwarded to the Deputy Director of Tourism, duly filled at Margao South Zone Office, New Collectorate Bld, Ground Floor, Margao-Goa.
The registration forms should be submitted on or before 26th May 2016, or email the same to [email protected] with names of the participants along with age, address, phone number before 5:00 pm, 26th May 2016
Given the clean, serene beaches that Goa possesses and the amount of people that flock to the beaches every day, the sand sculpture event is a great way to spread awareness and educate the youth of Goa about the ill effects of tobacco on the body and the environment.
