The « roller parade » will set up its summer quarters in Mons, Namur and Liège

Last year, the « roller parade » quickly established itself as one of the successful events of the Brussels summer: 30,000 people participated in the five skating outings organized in the capital. « Here, it's already a tradition », emphasizes Mayor Freddy Thielemans on the eve of a new experience. The phenomenon is taking on astonishing dimensions: today, one can see « rollers cops » in Brussels, real police patrols on skates. The parade's success was such in 2002 that the concept will be exported this summer to six other cities in the country: Ghent, Hasselt and Koksijde on the Flemish side, but also Mons, Namur and Liège for the French-speaking part of the country. In order to accommodate all asphalt gliding enthusiasts and - who knows? - to allow them to enjoy a joyful tour of Belgium's « rollers parades », each participating city will organize its circuits according to a well-established calendar, in July and August. So, see you in Namur on Tuesdays, then in Liège on Thursdays, and finally in Mons on Saturdays. All precise information will soon be available on the website www.belgiumrollers.com: schedules, meeting points and routes. In the meantime, it's time to warm up your skates. The second edition of Brussels Rollers will take place from July 5 to August 30 in the streets of the capital's center. These group outings on inline skates and other urban gliding devices are supervised by the police brigade, which itself moves on rollers. Welcome at 8 p.m. and departure at 9 p.m. from Place Poelaert. Arrival at 11 p.m. at Les Halles Saint-Géry. Information on the website www.belgiumrollers.com The roller parade is gaining followers BRUSSELS No longer say « Brussels Rollers » but « Belgium Rollers »! Over the summer, seven Belgian cities will host the famous roller skating tours initiated last year in the capital. Besides Brussels, enthusiasts will be able to enjoy themselves in Mons, Namur, Liège, Hasselt, Koksijde and Ghent. Last summer, thousands of them (nearly 30,000, according to the organizers) took over the Brussels asphalt, speeding through the capital's streets in a festive and friendly atmosphere. This experience delighted participants and organizers, as well as politicians. It is therefore quite naturally that the concept of the weekly roller parade will be renewed this summer. But, this year, the 'sporting' event will not be limited to the capital... The « Belgium Rollers » tour will kick off in late June or early July, every evening from 9 p.m. in Hasselt (Mondays), Namur (Tuesdays), Ghent (Wednesdays, except July 23 and 30), Liège (Thursdays), Brussels (Fridays), Mons (Saturdays) and Koksijde (Sundays, July 20 and August 24). One will have to rely on the benevolence of Mother Nature, as the holding of the parade is obviously dependent on weather conditions. Parades are open to everyone. Participation is free, a break is planned and refreshments are distributed. You don't necessarily have to be an inline skating pro to participate in the event. For all those who lack confidence, Belgium Rollers provides some advice (www.rollernet.com/debutants) to all those wishing to start their learning well and even offers a 'practice' meeting every Sunday, from June at the Carrefour des Attelages in Bois de la Cambre in Brussels. If you still have doubts, know that in case of fatigue or minor injuries, the Radio 21 bus follows the procession and can take you back to the starting point. www.belgiumrollers.com