Brussels sports

Brussels boasts over 250 sports facilities, hundreds of fitness centers, kilometers of cycle paths, and hectares of green spaces where one can unreservedly indulge in all forms of sports. Crossed by the Brussels Canal, our capital also attracts water sports enthusiasts; like rowing, which seduces more people each year. On the asphalt side, skateboarding and rollerblading, once alternative, now embody a street culture that many Brussels residents seem to appreciate, as evidenced by the growing success of the Roller Parade, now in its third edition. Finally, the second edition of Brussels Les Bains will also be an opportunity to celebrate Made in Brussels sports (see also Activities) [Report by Sébastien Pardon]. A House of Sports in Brussels We regretted not finding a place that centralized the various sports activities organized in the City of Brussels. This has been rectified since late 2003, when the Maison des Sports (House of Sports) of the City of Brussels opened, a place that practically and didactically answers all questions regarding sports facilities – the City of Brussels has over 250 on its territory! It’s a reception and information center, but also an enrollment, ticketing, and booking center... From July 23 to August 22, the Maison des Sports will be relocated to Brussels les Bains (Bassin Beco - Canal de Bruxelles - 1000), with a permanent presence every Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, spread the word! [coordinates removed] - www.maisondessports.be. Other information is also available from the Cocof sports department (www.cocof.be), a very complete and regularly updated list of the many sports facilities located in the 4 corners of our capital. The listing will soon be available on the website in the form of a geographical map, making it more didactic. Brussels, a skate paradise? The City of Brussels hoped to inaugurate a space dedicated to skateboarding on Rue des Brigittines, between the buildings of Foyer Bruxellois and the Chapelle train station, on the eve of the summer holidays. Administrative issues worthy of a Kafkaesque novel mean that the skate park will only open around October of this year... In addition to creating infrastructure for sliding sports, the project also includes the development of a raised terrace and, in the more or less near future, the renovation of the sports field located a few steps away. The collective of skaters, alias “Brusk,” which was set up at the inception of the site's redevelopment project, will organize skateboarding initiation activities every Wednesday, as well as the possibility of renting the often very expensive ad hoc equipment. The ASBL Recyclart (Gare de la Chapelle), through its metal workshop, will have young people build the new ramps that will populate the site. A fine example of successful communication between young people and local public authorities. Roller Parade 2004 Who would have thought? The in-line roller skate, alias rollerblading, is Belgian! Joseph Merlin, its inventor, will be honored in this 2004 edition of the Roller Parade to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the invention. As a reminder, and for those who don't know yet, sliding enthusiasts will meet every Friday until September 24 at Place Poelaert from 7 pm for a 20 km ride through the streets of Brussels, supervised by pros and police officers. Specially trained for the occasion, they will accompany participants for greater safety. The first 10 kilometers of the route will be accessible to everyone, provided you master the discipline; the remaining 10 kilometers will be for thrill-seekers. For those who don't understand anything but are keen to try this sport, know that during the same period, Sundays (from 10 am to 5 pm) at the Bois de la Cambre will be dedicated to sliding. Don't panic, the wood will be closed to car traffic for the occasion. Info: www.belgiumrollers.com KIOSK 07 & 08.2004 / 19