LACOMBE RALLIES AGAINST DRUGS

Hundreds Participate In Second-Annual Anti-Drug March Held In Lacombe Saturday

Lacombe Globe -- Despite chilly afternoon temperatures and a little
snow, hundreds of people marched the streets of Lacombe and rallied
at the Sports and Leisure Complex last Saturday to show their support
for the war against drugs.

Organized by Canadian University College's (CUC) Theology Club, the
second-annual Anti-Drug March included performances from the Red Deer
Royals marching band, a presentation from CUC's IMPACT (Individuals
Making Positive Accountable Choices Together) group, and even
speeches from a recovering drug addict and Olympian.

While the message was simple--stay away from drugs--the speeches were
much more than that.

Lascelles Brown, a 31-year-old Calgary resident born in Jamaica,
discussed how a drug-free lifestyle helped him reach his dream of
bobsledding in the Olympics. Brown teamed with Pierre Lueders to earn
silver in the two-man bobsled at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

"I don't drink," he said. "I don't smoke. I stay as far away from
drugs as possible."

Brown, who stayed after the rally to sign autographs, gave his own
statement for a little inspiration.

"Stay focused. The sky is the limit to what you can accomplish."

On the contrary, 26-year-old CUC religious studies student and
recovering drug addict Josiah Rambally talked about the negative
impact drug use had on his upbringing.

"What bothers me is the lack of understanding where drugs are
concerned," he said.

Raised in a Christian family on the island of St. Lucia in the
Caribbean, Rambally discussed how his rebellious turn led him to
alcoholism, and addiction to marijuana and crack cocaine.

Lance Perry, a representative from the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Commission office in Stettler, said knowledge and understanding is
the key to prevention.

"Our society has a real unhealthy attitude about drugs in general,"
he said. "We need to educate the people about the dangers of drugs,
and benefits of living a drug-free life."

Other speeches were given by CUC president Dr. Reo Ganson, Town of
Lacombe Coun. Steve Christie and CUC Theology Club president Mathew Feeley.

Opening and closing prayers were given by Pastor Tonya Swift of the
Lacombe Pentecostal Church and Dr. Douglas Matacio, acting chair of
the religious studies department at CUC. Elizabeth George was the
master of ceremonies.