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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom