News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2003

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Contact:
DEA Dallas Field Division
G/S Robert N. Evans
Public Information Officer
214-904-8731

Dallas DEA Sponsors Race Against Drugs Assembly

On Friday, April 11, 2003, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Dallas Field Division, and Clear Channel Motorsports will present a drug prevention program to the 6th, 7th and 8th grade students at Sam Houston Middle School, in Irving, Texas. The goal of the RACE AGAINST DRUGS program is to deliver a drug-free lifestyle message to students using speakers from the Dallas DEA, Irving Police Department and a driver from the American Motocross Association (AMA) Supercross.

In 1989, with the drug problem escalating and the motorsports industry soaring in popularity, the RACE AGAINST DRUGS was conceived. The idea was to use the color, speed, and excitement of motorsports to attract the attention of youngsters and their families and provide them with unique drug prevention awareness and educational material to change their attitudes and ultimately their behavior. The RACE AGAINST DRUGS is a series of drug prevention and awareness programs for youth. It provides young people with creative options to deal successfully with the drug issues that face them on a day-to-day basis and provides incentives to stay in school and be better citizens of their community.

The Dallas DEA will host the assembly and talk to the students about making healthy life choices and the dangers of drug abuse. The Irving Police Department will provide a marked police vehicle for the kids to see and one motorcross rider will be at the school to speak about teamwork. In addition, the DEA will display its helicopter, which is used in enforcement and surveillance operations. The 8th grade students will compete in poster contests. Anti-drug depictions will be judged on creativity and originality.

The community outreach program, for the Dallas DEA, continues to encourage partnerships with federal and local law enforcement agencies and private business to bring fun, excitement and important messages to those in the community. In addition, this program supplies schools and other youth-based organizations with drug prevention videos and publications and provides accurate resources to school administrators to help them formulate effective anti-drug programs.

The AMA provides quality motorcycle racing and entertainment to the world. The AMA Supercross is one of the most exciting forms of motorcycle riding. AMA Supercross racers will be performing at Texas Stadium on, April 12, 2003.