STUDENTS LAP UP LESSONS

Racing Against Drugs Uses Remote-Control Cars To Send Message

The roller skating rink at ODAS Park was set up for an entirely
different sport yesterday.

Auto racing.

Pit stops lined the perimeter of an oval racetrack for remote-control cars.

"On your mark, get set, go!" a voice boomed over the loudspeaker to
more than 100 shrieking children.

After rotating through 10 pit stops - each an information station
about alcohol, drugs, smoking or gambling - the students gathered
around the racetrack to cheer for the coloured car that represented
their school.

Throughout the day, more than 800 Grade 5 students from Orillia-area
schools participated in the hands-on drug prevention program called
Racing Against Drugs.

The program, created by the RCMP and brought to the community by the
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, uses the sport of auto racing to
capture the attention of young people.

"This is the third year we've had it here," said Kate Allen of the health unit.

New this year was a pit stop by Simcoe Outreach Services about making
life choices, an all-terrain vehicle safety section, and a gambling
game showing how personal goals and ambitions can drastically change
with an addictive lifestyle.

"Having a casino in our community, we thought it was important to
have that one," said Allen.

One pit stop that captured Brock Gordon's attention was the Lungs Are
for Life display, which included a set of pig lungs stained by tobacco.

"We learned that smoking is probably the worst thing you can possibly
do," said the Grade 5 Orillia Christian School student. "I can tell
my dad that now because he smokes a lot."

A teacher from Mnjikaning Kendaaswin Elementary School said she was
impressed by the showing of numerous community groups, including the
OPP, Mnjikaning First Nation, the school boards and health associations.

"Hopefully, some of the information will stick," said Dee-Anne Stinson.

The event will be held until Thursday. Most area schools will have a
chance to participate.