News Release
July 30, 2003
For More Information Contact:
Thomas P. O'Brien
Public Information Officer
509-353-2906

Seattle Seafair Race Against Drugs

Today, John M. Bott, Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Division announced that the DEA Seattle Divisional Office in partnership with the Seattle Police Department, U.S. Navy's Blue Angles, Boeing Corporation, the Unlimited Hydroplane Racing Commission, Seattle Seafair, and McDonald's will sponsor approximately 250 middle school and summer camp young people in the drug prevention and education program "RACE AGAINST DRUGS" at Seattle Seafair weekend festivities starting August 1, 2003.

"Race Against Drugs" (RAD), a program of the National Center for Prevention and Research Solutions (NCPRS), is a partnership with the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and 22 motor sports organizations. The goal of RAD is to provide unique, colorful and exciting materials and expertise to promote substance abuse awareness while building a solid foundation that enables motor sports and communities to form partnerships in drug prevention education programs.

The RAD program is an integral part of the Seattle Seafair celebration for the last 12 years. RAD partners for Seafair 2003 will sponsor approximately 250 middle school and summer camp young people through the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department. RAD will provide 250 action books and facilitator's guides which camp counselors will use during their summer camps. Of the 250 youngsters, 60 will be selected to join Seafair activities. "Race Against Drugs" partners will provide hats and t-shirts to the selected youngsters.

The festivities will begin at 9:00 AM on Friday, August 1st with the 60 youngsters arriving at Seafair with escorts from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Seattle Police Department.

From 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM the kids will spend time in the pits meeting and talking to the Unlimited Hydroplane owners, drivers and team members. At 11:00 AM the 60 youngsters and the law enforcement escorts will be bused to Boeing Field where they will be treated to a lunch courtesy of McDonald's and visit with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and have their photo taken with the pilots and their planes.

John M. Bott said, "All of the partners in the "Race Against Drugs" program facilitate teamwork, cooperation and problem solving for our youth who will learn to participate in developing ways to become part of the solution to America's drug problem."

Ron Steger, President of "Race Against Drugs", said, "This event would not be possible without a coalition of representatives from Seafair, Unlimited Racing Commission, team owners Bill Wurster and Jim Harvey, drivers, crew members, Boeing, McDonald's, the City of Seattle Parks/Recreation, Seattle Police Department and the DEA. We are not sure what influences young people to remain in school or stay drug free, but we do know that Seafair, the Hydro drivers and the Blue Angel pilots and exciting programs like the "Race Against Drugs" make a big difference!"

Chief R. Gil Kerlikowske, Seattle Police Department, said, "We are thrilled to be a partner in the Race Against Drugs program. This drug prevention education program will do a great deal to help the young people who participate."

If you require further information, feel free to contact the below listed individuals regarding the Seattle Seafair "Race Against Drugs" drug prevention education program: