Pubdate: Mon, 16 Apr 2007 Source: Standard Freeholder (Cornwall, CN ON) Copyright: 2007 Osprey Media Group Inc Contact: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1169 ANNUAL RACING AGAINST DRUGS EVENT KICKS OFF TODAY AT ARMOURY Cornwall - The 10th annual Racing Against Drugs week-long event geared to Grade 6 students across S, D and G starts today. The event is a community-based drug and alcohol prevention program and involves several law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Cornwall Police and Fire Department, as well as local paramedics. The event uses the sport of auto racing to inspire youth to say 'no' to drugs. The sport bans any use of drugs. Nearly 1,400 kids are expected to attend the event, which takes place at the Cornwall Armoury. "We want to give the right tools to the youth so they can recognize what a drug is and what the potential consequences are - whether it affects their health, social life, or in a legal way," said RCMP Const. Jean Juneau, president of Racing Against Drugs Eastern Ontario Region. "We want to equip them with the ability to say no." Officials choose Grade 6 students because soon these individuals will be heading off to intermediate school where they will face peer pressures and everyday dilemmas that could lure them into bad situations, he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek