Sunflower Cup, a program to raise children's awareness about health risks associated with tobacco, started its 14th year in Beijing No. 25 Middle School on May 30, promoting the upcoming World No Tobacco Day and International Children's Day.

Over 300 students and teachers from across the nation attended the ceremony. Students who successfully engaged in last year's program activities received awards, and a non-smoking related knowledge competition was also staged.

Sponsored by China Soong Ching Ling Foundation(CSCLF), the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, the National Children's Work Coordination Committee, and China Education Association, the Sunflower Cup program has involved 60 million students in over 40 cities and regions in 22 provinces.

This program presents various activities to advise students stay away from tobacco, develop healthy interests and live a more positive and active life.

Training courses for 2010 Sunflower Ambassadors will span from May 31 to June 1.

The World Health Organization cites tobacco use as one of the biggest public-health threats the world has ever faced and estimates 8 million tobacco-related deaths by 2030 - up from today's 5.4 million deaths.

According to the Ministry of Health, half of China's public health institutions will be non-smoking spaces in 2010.

From January 2011, smoking will be banned in public-transportation vehicles, indoor public spaces, including in workplaces, and some outdoor workspaces.

Related

• Anti-smoking campaign in China
• Beijing health report highlights risk of smoking
• Indoor smoking rule too heavy
• Officials expected to take the lead on smoking ban

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