Wild fun and relaxation on wheels

NAMUR ROLLER PARADES Wild fun and relaxation on wheels The roller parades will once again bring life to the city center and its outskirts at dusk. Here we go again for another summer of madness, every Thursday, on the Namur tarmac. Invited by Carl De Moncharline - initiator of the project - to participate in the Belgium Rollers Summer Tour last year, the City of Namur embarked on the adventure. This full-scale test was conclusive: each week in July and August, more and more participants were rolling. During the last parade, there were 1500 of them at the start! We don't change a winning formula: this summer, Namur is doing it again. The only major changes: the day (Thursday, this year) and the starting location, planned under the patio of the City Hall (free parking for participants). The site will be perfectly suited to welcome participants. This would not have been possible last year, due to the major works undertaken in the city center. The "cops," summer version But to properly supervise the enormous procession that will move through the city and its periphery each week, a competent staff was needed. The Namur police therefore called on their "roller cops," specially trained for the 2003 operation. Some auxiliaries having been promoted, and therefore assigned to other tasks, the Roller Parade staff trained new officers. At all times, they must be able to quickly move to the front or back of the procession, but also to avoid unforeseen obstacles. On Tuesday, the "roller cops" of the 2004 vintage demonstrated their skills. Their new "adapted" outfit was also unveiled. Tight capri pants, summer polo shirt: the uniform pleasantly recalls American TV series stamped with the "Palm Beach" seal! For his part, the alderman for sports and leisure, Frédéric Laloux, eagerly re-signed: "What struck me most, beyond the enthusiasm of the participants, was the interest shown in the event by local residents. When we passed by their homes, some people were waiting for us, sitting by the side of the road." It's true that the Roller Parade is all about atmosphere: music, shouts of joy, lights, charming hostesses.... We're waiting for you on Thursday... Last year during the last parade, there were 1500! : in brief SCHEDULES AND NOVELTIES ■ Departure. Every Thursday in July and August at 8 p.m. from the City Hall. Meet from 7 p.m. Children must wear protective gear. Bicycles are allowed to participate at the back of the procession. They must be equipped with lights and reflective devices, as well as a bell. ■ Classes. This is new: rollerblading initiations will be organized from 6 p.m. under the patio of the City Hall. ■ "Boo-boo" staff. The first aid staff will be expanded to treat minor injuries. ■ Two routes. They will be alternated. One, more urban (19 km), will go through the center, towards Salzinnes, Plomcot and Jambes. The other (21.5 km) will go towards the periphery (Dave, Wépion, La Plante,...). : questions for... Abdel Aboutaher, "ROLLER COP" ■ Last year, what problems were encountered on the route? There weren't any, strictly speaking. We just noticed that there were too many young children, which can represent a certain danger. This was especially the case during the first parades. ■ This job differs significantly from your usual tasks, doesn't it? Certainly! This activity brings us much closer to citizens. The fact that we are there to supervise and support people contributes to a good understanding, a good atmosphere. People talk to us much more. And it's clear that this work is different from what we do the rest of the year. It's different...