The first roller parade in Mons

Saturday evening, it was off... The meeting is now scheduled weekly until the end of August MONS It was the first one Saturday evening. At 8 PM, the start was given... Just over a hundred people set off for an expedition of about twenty kilometers through the Mons area. "As everywhere else, that is to say Brussels, Hasselt, Namur, Ostend, Mons and Koksijde, the route stretches over about twenty kilometers. From week to week, we try to vary the route a little. This allows participants, in any case, to discover cities in a different way", notes the organizer, Carl de Moncharline. He continues: "There are cities like Brussels where there are thousands of people. Here it's around 200-300. It's smaller but very friendly. Those who wish can follow by bike", confides the man who had the idea, three years ago, of creating the first roller parade in Brussels. "Every major international city had its parade and there was nothing in Belgium. Something had to be done. And then, everything is free... I think it's an opportunity for those who don't go on holiday to be able to relax without their wallet taking a hit." Among the participants, there were the die-hards... Those who are part of the organizing team are found, in fact, in each of the major organizing cities. This was the case for Cathy and Olivier, from Brussels. Both were responsible for the security aspect. For them, the birth of the roller parades was a real boon. "We were already enthusiasts before and we could only practice in the Bois de la Cambre. Here, we can skate in cities in complete safety. It's also an opportunity to meet others who, like us, appreciate this sport." Pascale, for her part, discovered the pleasures of the roller parade two years ago. "I only participated in Namur. Here, I came with my husband. I particularly like roller skating. Twenty years ago, I even skated from Brussels to Paris. But what I find particularly interesting is that this activity is entirely free. Which is becoming very rare. In addition, there is always a good atmosphere." Photo: Saturday evening, the first Mons departure of the roller parade was given... The meeting is scheduled every Saturday in July-August.