Pubdate: Tue, 28 Mar 2006 Source: Lacombe Globe, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2006 Lacombe Globe Contact: http://www.lacombeglobe.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3296 Author: Bryan Alary ANTI-DRUG MARCH RETURNS IN APRIL The Battle Against Drug And Alcohol Abuse Will Take To The Streets For The Second-Straight Year Next Month "Drugs affect every community, whether big or small, in some respects. Quite often it's going on behind closed doors," said Mathew Feeley, president of the Theology Club at Canadian University College (CUC). The club is spearheading the second annual Anti-Drug March in Lacombe on April 15. Last year's event drew hundreds of participants to the march along C&E Trail, concluding with a series of personal testimonials and informational booths at the Lacombe Memorial Centre (LMC). Due to renovations at the LMC, this year's march will conclude at the Lacombe Sports and Leisure Complex. Feeley hopes the extra room at the front ice of Barnett Arena will accommodate larger crowds and expanded booths. Also new this year, organizers hope to recruit a famous athlete to hit home the anti-drug message. Feeley said he's close to confirming the participation of one of Canada's Olympic medallists, but couldn't say who. "It really looks good at this point," he said. Having an athlete at the concluding rally is an attempt to attract youth to the anti-drug message, said Feeley. "Often some of their role models are these athletes. These are people they admire, look up to and want to be like." A drama skit by Impact Group--CUC students who promote drug-free living--and personal accounts from local residents who've seen the side effects of drug and alcohol abuse are also planned. Feeley knows all too well about youth drug use. He's a recovering addict who became heavily involved in Toronto's rave scene at age 14. After using everything from crystal meth to cocaine and stealing to afford his habit, Feeley managed to turn his life around. He's now a fourth-year religious studies student at CUC, with plans to be a pastor after graduation this spring. "Sometimes if you get stuck in that lifestyle it can stick with you for a long time," he said. "We really just want to see the youth take hold of this event." To boost student interest, several contests will be held for things like best banner or essay. Winners could take home prizes like a new mountain bike, roller blades or swim passes. Essays should communicate a message that it's better to live without drugs, said Feeley. "If they can communicate that through personal experience, that's even better." The Theology Club has contacted several schools about taking part in the march, but few have made firm commitments, Feeley said. Terrace Ridge School will participate for the second straight year. The Red Deer Royals Marching Band also confirmed their participation, as have a number of substance abuse agencies. This year's route will start at Terrace Ridge School, heading south along C&E Trail, west on 51st Avenue and north to the arena on 51st Street. The march begins at Terrace Ridge School at 3 p.m. The rally will start at 4 p.m. "We want the community to come out and support the event again."