STUDENTS HOSTING `FEAR FACTORS'

Drug Awareness Week is coming up, and students at Fort High are
gearing up for a week of fun and excitement.

The local chapter of Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving have
organized "Fear Factors," an event based on the popular television
show where people do various stunts in an effort to overcome their
fears and beat out their competitors.

"This is our big activity of the year," said OSAID treasurer Megan
Cuthbertson.

The goal of the week-long event is not just to have fun, but to teach
students how best to deal with certain situations involving drugs and
alcohol.

For example, one of the challenges involves dressing a 180-lb. dummy,
putting it safely in a cab, then bringing it home and putting it in
the recovery position.

The rationale behind the challenge is that people who are impaired
often pass out. It is important to monitor someone closely to ensure
they aren't suffering from alcohol poisoning or an overdose, and to
make sure they get home safely.

The recovery position places the unconscious person on his side rather
than his back, to prevent him from choking on his own vomit.

"The goal is to minimize accidents and minimize the risk," Cuthbertson
noted.

Other challenges during the week will include walking across a
simulated dam wearing impaired vision goggles, a game of poker where
contestants will have to eat or drink items that are marked on the
cards, and a "puke plunge."

"Some events will require a strong stomach," she warned.

One male and one female student from each grade level will be selected
to compete in the challenges. The two overall winners will compete
against members of the community in "Ultimate Fear Factors" on Friday.

Volunteers from the Fort Frances Fire Department, B93-FM, Canada
Customs, and the Fort Frances Times are expected to
participate.

Events will take place over the lunch hour each day in different
locations in the school. Friday's events will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Cuthbertson said about 10 students had already applied to participate
on the first day of sign-ups.

The Fort High chapter of OSAID is a group of about 20 students who
organize various events throughout the year to raise awareness of
problems related to drug and alcohol abuse in young people.

The group hosted a Hallowe'en dance this year, with a turnout of more
than 100 people. "That's the most we've had in three years,"
Cuthbertson said. "It went over really, really well."

Drug Awareness Week runs from Nov. 15-21.