#Italy #Milan #Milano Cortina #Drug-Free World #Ryan Wedding

Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Kicks Off with Drug Prevention Initiative

On February 6, 2026, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics made headlines with an opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium, but the event also flagged a critical public health effort. Just weeks before, the FBI had apprehended Ryan Wedding, an ex-Olympic snowboarder turned notorious drug kingpin. His story intertwines with the ongoing battle against drug abuse in Italy, prompting the Foundation for a Drug-Free World (DFW) to activate a large-scale drug prevention campaign.

Ryan Wedding's fall from grace is stark. Competing in the 2002 Winter Olympics, he finished in 24th place but later shifted from the snowy slopes to a life as a cocaine trafficker. Over the years, Wedding allegedly oversaw operations that moved approximately 60 metric tons of cocaine annually, devastating communities and encouraging addiction among youth. An alarming report highlighted that 39% of Italian youth aged between 15 and 19 have experimented with drugs at least once, emphasizing the urgency of the DFW’s mission.

In response to these shocking statistics and the presence of drug culture at such a prominent international event, DFW volunteers sprang into action. Since early January 2026, they have been distributing informative booklets titled "Truth About Drugs," targeting various communities throughout Italy, especially in cities like Milano, Bergamo, and Florence. This educational drive aimed at enlightening young people about the real dangers of drug use.

Jessica Hochman, the Executive Director of DFW, stated, "Drug kingpins don't operate in isolation. Each initial drug use fosters an industry that thrives on addiction. The key to stopping this cycle is prevention through education." DFW emphasizes that understanding the consequences of drugs can significantly deter young people. The organization draws parallels to everyday items, saying, "You wouldn't drink drain cleaner if offered. So, why try crystal meth? Education provides insight into the real dangers."

The day of the Olympics’ opening ceremony saw a remarkable mobilization. Over 90 volunteers took to the streets, distributing over 100,000 booklets across various venues. They aimed to educate attendees, shop owners, students, and even law enforcement, providing tools for positive drug-free choices. Volunteer testimonials illustrated community engagement; shop employees and passersby expressed appreciation and support for the initiative. The noticeable enthusiasm from the public demonstrated the community’s eagerness to tackle drug abuse head-on.

DFW’s efforts have since resulted in a distribution of more than 350,000 educational booklets, signaling that this is merely the beginning of a wider outreach program. As the Olympics continue, DFW volunteers pledge to keep relaying their message, comparing their dedication to the symbolic passing of the Olympic torch.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World stands as the world’s largest non-governmental organization focused on drug education and prevention, distributing millions of resources in over 180 countries, entirely free of charge thanks to the Church of Scientology's support. Their mission is clear: to equip communities with the knowledge to combat drug misuse effectively.

For further information about their efforts and available educational materials, visit www.drugfreeworld.org. With the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics serving as a backdrop, the fight against drug abuse is breaking new ground in Italy, hopefully inspiring a global movement toward drug-free lives.