In addition to its long history with baseball, spit tobacco is used more frequently by young people—46% of new users start before they reach the age of 18. Through the slogan contest, OHA and Little League reach tens of thousands of young people each year with the message that spit tobacco is dangerous and should be avoided.
“Little League is committed to providing proper health and well being for children throughout the world,” said Stephen D. Keener, president and CEO of Little League Baseball and Softball. “Smokeless tobacco has no place whatsoever in the lives of our youth. We applaud Oral Health America’s effort in keeping children away from smokeless tobacco and starting the conversation with so many parents about the dangers associated with its use. The NSTEP Slogan Contest is a great way to engage children and their families and educate them on the risks associated with smokeless tobacco.”
“Every summer we hear from parents across the country who use the slogan contest as an opportunity to talk to their children about spit tobacco for the first time,” said OHA President and CEO Beth Truett. “All tobacco products are harmful and we look forward to reaching even more young people with this important message.”
For the first time contest participants will be able to submit their slogans online by filling out a simple form. The winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, PA and a $500 cash prize. In addition, OHA will make a $500 donation to the player’s Little League organization. For more information about the contest or to submit a slogan, please visit nstep.org/contest.
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