Around 3,300 students, witnessed by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, broke the Guinness World Record (GWR) with a giant finger painting to promote the anti-drug message at Victoria Park today (November 26). Organised by the Western Police District, the Narcotics Division and the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), the event is part of a series of large-scale anti-drug publicity and education activities, which aim to increase the awareness of teenagers of the harmful effects of drug abuse and encourage them to follow a healthy lifestyle. The students, led by 200 police volunteers, used their fingers to produce the giant painting measuring 2,101 square metres and carrying the anti-drug slogan Not Now, Not Ever, Say No to Drugs¨.
Witnessed by the Chief Executive, the Guinness World Record Adjudicator announced the breaking of the world record upon completion of the painting. A Guinness World Record Certificate was also presented to the student representatives. Mr Tsang then led all the students to make a pledge together, symbolising their commitment and determination in fighting drug abuse.
Other guests attending the event included the Commissioner of Police, Mr Tang King-shing; Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Anti Youth Drug Abuse Campaign, Mr Cheng Shing-fung; Under Secretary for Education, Mr Kenneth Chen; Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Sally Wong; and ACAN Chairman, Professor Daniel Shek. The finger painting will be produced as banners and put on display at all immigration checkpoints, public amenities, non-governmental organisations and schools. A multi-media exhibition of the highlights of the event will also be held at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre in Admiralty between December 2009 and March 2010.