A Million Reasons to Say No to Drugs at the Paris Olympics

The 2024 Paris Olympics was more than just a sporting event; it was a platform for a global drug-free movement. Volunteers from the foundation for a Drug-Free World set an ambitious goal: to distribute one million The Truth About Drugs booklets to visitors and residents alike—and they achieved it.

With millions of people flocking to Paris for the games, the foundation’s volunteers took to the streets around Olympic venues and iconic landmarks like the Louvre. There, they distributed booklets and engaged with visitors. Breakers, wearing the foundation’s teal T-shirts, demonstrated how music and dance are their high—not drugs.

To maximize their reach, the foundation utilized creative strategies. Volunteers placed booklet displays in shops and restaurants, wrapped vehicles with their logo and even organized a river cruise on the Seine. An iconic Parisian riverboat was adorned with Drug-Free World (DFW) banners and featured live music, attracting attention from both locals and tourists.

Even the Olympians got involved. Sixty-six athletes signed the DFW pledge, committing to a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.

“Reaching out with a million The Truth About Drugs booklets was a huge challenge,” said one volunteer. “But we were welcomed by fans at Olympic venues and people we met on the streets. Shopkeepers saw the importance of sharing these booklets with their customers and were eager to take part in our outreach. We took on the challenge, and hitting that target was amazing.”