Yellowknife (Apr 23/04) - The ongoing struggle against smoking often alienates smokers from non-smokers, resulting in an ideological battle between two demographics.

Sir John Franklin high school students haven't forgotten the fight is against a health concern.

"We wanted to not work against the smokers," said Dan Wong, a student and organizer of the Quit to Win contest at Sir John.

Contestants must refrain from smoking from April 20 to June 9. All who stay smoke-free will be entered in a draw for $1,000.

The money is an incentive, but Wong says it also helps to have youth telling other youth to quit.

Students are more likely to listen to their peers than teachers, doctors, police officers and other authority figures, he contends.

You can't force people to quit smoking says Wong, "the change has to come from them."

This view is shared by the student organization BLAST--, Building Leadership for Action in Schools Today. BLAST is responsible for the Quit to Win contest, they also provide support for students who wish to quit smoking.

"Our goal is to promote smoke-free and therefore healthier lifestyles," said Katie Haine, a student organizer for BLAST.

Another aspect of their innovative approach is to target non-smokers as well as smokers.

BLAST is organizing a contest that rewards those who don't smoke.

Entrants in the Don't Start to Win contest must write a paragraph on why they have never smoked. Their stories will be posted on the walls of Sir John as a testament to the number of non-smokers in the school, and as encouragement for those who want to quit.

At the end of the school year $1,100 in gift certificates from local businesses will be awarded at random in $25 denominations to those who enter.

"The response has been excellent," Wong said.

Contest sponsors include Breakaway Fitness Centre, Chic Chik, Capital Theatre, Javaroma and Shoppers Drug Mart.