Corfu: Strong Anti-Drug Message from Youth at the 21st ESYN Festival
Corfu, June 29 – The second event of the 21st ESYN Festival, organized by the Corfu branch of the National Council Against Drugs (ESYN), took place on Saturday, June 27, sending a powerful message against all drugs. The event, held in conjunction with the International Day Against Drug Abuse (June 26), transformed Corfu’s Lower Square into a vibrant hub of creative and active living.
The main protagonists of the event were the young participants from various local groups. These included the handball teams of Kerkyraikos and Igoumenitsa, the tae kwon do team of Iraklis, and the dance school of Sotiris Bouhagier. Together, they loudly proclaimed, “NO TO ALL DRUGS – YES TO LIFE,” showcasing the beauty of dance, the vitality of handball, and the dynamism of tae kwon do.
These diverse expressions of youth culture converged with a shared demand for a society where life can flourish, free from the shackles of addiction and the horrors of war. The event highlighted the importance of sports and culture as pathways to a healthy and fulfilling life, offering alternatives to the destructive path of drug abuse.
Officials Commend Participants and Anti-Drug Movement
Kostas Roussinos, President of the Corfu branch of the National Council Against Drugs, extended his gratitude to all organizations supporting the ESYN festival and the anti-drug movement on the island. He specifically acknowledged the clubs that actively participated in the event and commended the children for choosing a creative path through sports and culture.
Roussinos also urged parents and the many attendees to remain vigilant and to actively oppose policies that promote the liberalization of drugs. His call to action underscored the ongoing struggle against drug abuse and the need for continued community engagement.
Awards and Recognition for Young Athletes and Artists
As a token of appreciation and recognition, ESYN awarded medals of participation to all the children and commemorative cups to their respective teams. The awards were presented by a distinguished group of local officials and community leaders, emphasizing the collective support for the anti-drug initiative.
Among those who presented the awards were regional councilors Yiannis Armeniakos and Alekos Michalas, President of the Corfu Labor Center Stamatis Pelais, President of the “STIRIXI” association Spyros Dolianitis, Vice President of ESYN Roula Kardami, Kerkyraikos handball manager Nikos Perros, and President of the Parents’ Union Leonidas Trantos.
The event in Corfu served as a powerful reminder of the community’s commitment to protecting its youth from the dangers of drug abuse and fostering an environment where healthy choices and active lifestyles are celebrated. The enthusiastic participation of young people from various disciplines demonstrated their strong stance against drugs and their dedication to building a better future.
This second event of the 21st ESYN Festival reinforced the ongoing efforts in Corfu to raise awareness and mobilize support for the anti-drug cause, building on the success of previous initiatives and setting a positive example for other communities.
