NORTHERN STUDENTS GET DIRT ON DRUG ABUSE

Police, Bike Racer Among Those To Deliver Racing Against Drugs Message
In Wawa

Students here recently got the lowdown on the perils of drug
abuse.

Racing Against Drugs recently came to the Michipicoten Community
Centre, with 233 students from Grades 4 to 7 attending the two-day
sessions.

This program, designed to bring drug and alcohol awareness to
students, was initiated in 1993 by the Mounted Police Foundation of
Canada, which donated $2,000 raised by selling RCMP licensed products.

Partnering with the foundation, police take the program to anywhere
from 30 to 40 communities across the province annually.

"The RAD is an excellent partnership of people working together
toward educating our children of making informed and healthy
choices," said Cpl. Ray Valiquette, RCMP co-ordinator.

Valiquette, based in London, Ont., brings a very large racetrack to
the event venue, operated by colour-coded remote controls. At the
end of each session, students can race their cars to the finish. He
warns it's noisy.

Local organizations brought their messages at 13 locations set up at
the centre dubbed "pit stops," at which students are told of the
benefits of healthy choices.

At one interactive "pit stop" a basketball net was set up and
students were given special glasses, Fatal Vision Goggles, which
simulate the view a person under the influence of too much alcohol
would experience.

Students are then asked to shoot a few hoops.

"As my first time, what I love about RAD is that it is very
interactive, the students are engaging in what the pit stops have to
offer," said Kadean Ogilvie, public health nurse with the Algoma
Public Health and event co-ordinator.

At another stop, Shawn Greely talked about his love of competitive
dirt bike racing and how he needs a clear head to compete. Greely,
whose bikes and trophies were on display, has been a rider for six
years and on the racing circuit for three.

"Through this interaction you can see (students) are definitely
getting the message about drug prevention," Olgilvie said.

Students were bused from Chapleau, White River, Pic Mobert,
Dubreuilville and Missanabie.

"If we reach one child in helping that child to make a right decision
then bringing RAD to communities is worth it," Valiquette said.