What do the 2010 Winter Olympics and a tobacco-free lifestyle have in common? "Physical activity and sports are deeply incompatible with smoking," said Dr. Jaques Rogge, International Olympic Committee President. "We also strongly believe that sport can serve as a means of preventive education to youth to avoid unhealthy behaviors. This is why we have made the Games a smoke-free event, in cooperation with the World Health Organization and the organizing committees."

With all the hype of the Olympics, the competitors become important role models for many aspiring athletes. Through their success, Olympians promote a healthy lifestyle and serve as positive examples of staying tobacco free. Youths can learn a lot from Olympic athletes. Tobacco has a negative effect on a person’s goals not only in athletics, but in academics and social life as well. Olympians know the consequences of tobacco use, and they don’t let anything hold them back. How has staying tobacco free helped you achieve your goals?

The 2010 Olympic games came to a close over the weekend, and we are excited about the impact our campaign has made. Did you see our ads while you were watching the Olympics? As the United States racked up 37 Olympic medals, calls to the Quitline jumped by 37%!! Congratulations to everyone for a successful 2010 Winter Olympics!