Pubdate: Wed, 15 Apr 2015
Source: Standard Freeholder (Cornwall, CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 Cornwall Standard Freeholder
Contact: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/letters
Website: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1169
Author: Greg Peerenboom
Page: 2

RACING AGAINST DRUGS

The annual Racing Against Drugs event kicked off Tuesday at the
Cornwall Armoury.

It's a health and wellness program that's withstood the fastest of
times -- that being the whirlwind of pre-teen to adulthood.

The 17th Cornwall-SDG Racing Against Drugs kicked off Tuesday at the
Cornwall Armoury.

Organizer, RCMP Const. Jean Juneau believes that RAD has withstood the
test of time.

"I have gone into Jean Coutu and someone who recognized me would come
up and say he remembered taking part in (RAD)," Juneau said in the
middle of the Armoury hall, surrounded on all sides by 10 stations or
"pitstops" where Grade 6 students learn how to avoid the trap of drugs
and alcohol.

Rose des Vents teacher Robert Davidson has been taking his students to
RAD for much of the past 10 years.

Davidson said RAD has become ingrained into the school's health and
wellness curriculum.

This year, on Wednesday, RAD will welcome another part of the
community, students from two Akwesasne schools.

Juneau said these students usually attended a RAD held in Akwesasne,
but for unexplained reasons, it was not held this year.

This will add about 40 students, for a total of 1,148
participants.

Juneau said RAD isn't changing the format to accommodate Mohawks
students. The only difference between the city's RAD and Akwesasne is
there is a cultural component missing.

"Everyone (in Cornwall and SDG) will be here," Juneau said, of RAD
which continues until Friday.

The general theme of RAD remains the same - to educate Grade 6
students of the health and wellness, not just the legal, effects that
occur from drug and alcohol use.

Each kiosk has a different theme. The No 1 station run by the RCMP
hosts the popular miniature race track that teaches to respect the
operation of a motor vehicle.

The following stations, two to 10, deal with, respectively, positive
reinforcement; effects of alcohol on motor skills; harmful bodily
effects; healthy lifestyle choices; dangerous use of recreational
vehicles; border drug search techniques; crime reduction; awareness of
unhealthy energy drinks; and making healthy choices.
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MAP posted-by: Matt