Pubdate: Tue, 18 Apr 2006
Source: Lacombe Globe, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Lacombe Globe
Contact:  http://www.lacombeglobe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3296
Author: Alistair McInnis
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom