Pubdate: Tue, 06 May 2008 Source: Sault Star, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2008 The Sault Star Contact: http://www.saultstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1071 Author: Shirley Mills NORTHERN STUDENTS GET DIRT ON DRUG ABUSE Police, Bike Racer Among Those To Deliver Racing Against Drugs Message In Wawa Students here recently got the lowdown on the perils of drug abuse. Racing Against Drugs recently came to the Michipicoten Community Centre, with 233 students from Grades 4 to 7 attending the two-day sessions. This program, designed to bring drug and alcohol awareness to students, was initiated in 1993 by the Mounted Police Foundation of Canada, which donated $2,000 raised by selling RCMP licensed products. Partnering with the foundation, police take the program to anywhere from 30 to 40 communities across the province annually. "The RAD is an excellent partnership of people working together toward educating our children of making informed and healthy choices," said Cpl. Ray Valiquette, RCMP co-ordinator. Valiquette, based in London, Ont., brings a very large racetrack to the event venue, operated by colour-coded remote controls. At the end of each session, students can race their cars to the finish. He warns it's noisy. Local organizations brought their messages at 13 locations set up at the centre dubbed "pit stops," at which students are told of the benefits of healthy choices. At one interactive "pit stop" a basketball net was set up and students were given special glasses, Fatal Vision Goggles, which simulate the view a person under the influence of too much alcohol would experience. Students are then asked to shoot a few hoops. "As my first time, what I love about RAD is that it is very interactive, the students are engaging in what the pit stops have to offer," said Kadean Ogilvie, public health nurse with the Algoma Public Health and event co-ordinator. At another stop, Shawn Greely talked about his love of competitive dirt bike racing and how he needs a clear head to compete. Greely, whose bikes and trophies were on display, has been a rider for six years and on the racing circuit for three. "Through this interaction you can see (students) are definitely getting the message about drug prevention," Olgilvie said. Students were bused from Chapleau, White River, Pic Mobert, Dubreuilville and Missanabie. "If we reach one child in helping that child to make a right decision then bringing RAD to communities is worth it," Valiquette said. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin