In the latest effort to combat substance abuse in local sports, the Bermuda Council for Drug Free Sport have unveiled a new strategy to be known as SALT.

The Student Athletic Leadership Team is a group of concerned youths, who will reach out to fellow young athletes carrying the message of drug prevention. The concept was adopted from a group of professional athletes in New Jersey.

"This is an exciting initiative and opportunity for our young people to have a voice in the community in regards as to what they would like to see in the sporting fraternity. They have indicated to us that they are keen focused, and committed on changing the present sports environment here on the Island," said NDC administrator Kim Jackson.

"We are excited about this new programme, primarily because the kids have been empowered to assist in bringing about change in the sports arena, in addition to developing leadership skills."

The principal targets will be youths aged from nine to 18, with particular emphasis on middle school children aged from 11 to 13 who are believed to be the most vulnerable for adopting risky behaviour. Parents, teachers and coaches will also be asked to get involved.

Bermuda Football Association's various youth teams will be among the first to be approached by SALT, who have developed a leadership skills programme that involves the recruitment of two athletes for each of the Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 teams.

It's hoped that some of Bermuda's sportsmen and women from the Elite Athletes Programme will also assist the juniors by sharing personal knowledge that helped them in the areas of motivation, teamwork and problem solving - without the use of drugs.

Drug and alcohol education will provide an overview of how they affect the human mind and body, relationships and the community at large.

During the next six months, SALT will also be targeting karate and track and field.

"We have witnessed the youngsters since June take on this initiative, own it and move it forward with their views," added Jackson.