POLICE ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO RACE AGAINST DRUGS

Local police agencies are starting their engines to power a healthy
living program for junior students for a third year.

Racing Against Drugs returns to Garden River Recreation Centre Oct. 6
to 8. An estimated 1,600 Grade 5 and 6 students are expected to
attend the half-day program.

They'll take part in about a dozen activities touching on topics such
as energy drinks, text messaging and bullying, peer pressure and the
choking game.

Several presentations are the same as those presented in 2008 at the
Pine Street Armoury.

Most, said organizer Corp. Cheryle Hayden of the RCMP, are different.
"You won't be seeing the exact same things," she said.

The event's centre piece is an 80-foot race track that pits school
against school with a trophy going to the winner.

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police substance abuse committee
gave FOCUS Coalition $1,200 for the event.

Anishinabek Police Service, Indian Friendship Centre, Ontario
Provincial Police and Metis Nation of Ontario are also helping with the event.