GRADE 5S TO 'RACE' FOR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

RACING FOR DRUGS: Event developed by RCMP coming to City of Kawartha
Lakes for first time later this month

The excitement of auto racing will be incorporated into a three day
drug and alcohol awareness program coming to the City of Kawartha
Lakes for the first time later this month.

More than 800 local students will take in Racing Against Drugs, a
community-based program developed by the RCMP that will be presented
at the Lindsay Fairgrounds from Oct. 27 to 29. All Grade 5s in the
municipality will take part.

Drug awareness, safety issues and healthy alternative choices will be
promoted to them through 13 interactive 'pit stops.'

Each is run by a different c ommu n i t y agency or group that will
make a presentation that promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Students will be placed into groups of 12 and rotated every 12
minutes, making it to between 10 and 12 'stops' in a two hour session.

The interaction at each pit stop is key, said City of Kawartha Lakes
OPP Const. Mark Boileau.

"It's not just them sitting and listening. It's making it interesting
for them," he said, noting activities like the rollover simulator that
brings home the importance of wearing a seat belt.

After visiting the pit stops, students can then watch their teachers
race remote control cars on a giant race track in the morale-boosting
'Final Race' that pits different schools against each other.

The program, presented by a committee made up of representatives of
local agencies and businesses, has been a big success in Durham Region
for 14 years, Boileau said.

Given the current economic climate, the Community Services Officer
admitted he was apprehensive at first. But so far, he said the
community support has been "phenomenal."

"It's amazing to see in a time of recession," he said. "People still
come together when it comes to kids."

High school students are using the event to gain volunteer hours. Bus
company First Student Canada will be transporting the students free of
charge.

Use of the Farmer's Mutual Building is free thanks to the Lindsay
Agricultural Society. Mosport International Raceway is even bringing
some real race cars to the event.

"Everyone has stepped up to the plate," Boileau said. "The whole theme
of this is making it a positive experience for the kids who are there."

Presenters will include:

* RCMP (drug awareness)

* Boys and Girls Clubs (healthy recreation)

* Mothers Against Drunk Driving (Fatal Vision Goggles)

* Kawartha Lakes Risk Watch (bicycle-pedestrian safety)

* Health Unit (substance abuse-healthy nutrition)

* Central Region Emergency Response Team (Mental alertness and
physical fitness)

* Haliburton ATV Association (ATV safety)

There will also be a pharmacy booth with information on prescription
drugs as well as presentations on youth gambling, gangs and bullying
and body image.

Representatives from the Ministry of Transportation and Kawartha Lakes
Fire Rescue Service will also be on hand.

Organizers hope to expand the event each year. Boileau encouraged
anyone who believes they can enhance the program to contact him at the
local OPP detachment at 324-6741.