Roller parade: it's back!

NAMUR FIRST PARADE OF THE SUMMER THIS JUNE 30 Roller parade: it's back! The weekly summer event returns: it's going to roll in Namur until September Between the people of Namur and roller skating, it's a beautiful love story that intensifies a little more each summer. Two years ago, the roller parade concept (initiated by the Brussels native Carl De Moncharline) landed in Namur, like an event UFO. The City and the police had, from the beginning, agreed to associate themselves with the operation. The concept couldn't be simpler: anyone able to practice roller skating can indulge in this leisure activity every week. And this on public roads, supervised by roller-skating police officers specially trained for this purpose. A "luxury" for regulars on wheels, who enjoy, for one evening, the 23-kilometer route reserved for them. "Initially, the city services collaborating on the event, like the police, were a bit hesitant, declares sports alderman Frédéric Laloux. And then, little by little, everyone found their rhythm, both on the supervision side and among participants and even spectators." Surrounded by a large caravan of sponsors, it's true that the roller parade doesn't go unnoticed, in the city and its periphery (read route opposite). From their terrace or doorstep, many residents have also grown accustomed to cheering on the participants. Since we don't change a winning formula, there will be few changes this year. The parades will start at Place de l'Ange every Thursday at 7 p.m., from June 30 until mid-September. A major mineral water brand will hydrate participants, while a bandage manufacturer will take care of minor scrapes. See you at the end of June, for a first ride on eight wheels... SACHA PEIFFER : questions to... C. De Moncharline Organizer "Belgium Rollers Summer Tour" This year, the weekly ride is organized in 5 cities. What are Namur's specific characteristics? Namur is a flagship city with dynamism, both from the organizers and the participants. There is a real warmth throughout the route. We sometimes stop on Rue Rogier to greet an old lady who awaits us every week. The route is varied, between urban environment and countryside. This is why some come from very far to participate. Photo: Yesterday, the "rollercops" who will supervise the rides demonstrated all their expertise, Rue de Fer. ¤V.L. : the route The roller parade route will start at Place de l'Ange, to end at the same place, after a 23-kilometer ride. After taking the Pont des Ardennes and reaching the center of Jambes, the procession will head weekly towards Amée Park, before continuing on Rue de Dave and the RN 947. After crossing the Meuse on the Wépion bridge, head towards Wépion, and La Plante (Avenue Rops) to return to the center via Avenue Huart and the Pont de France. For the less athletic, rest assured: four breaks are planned, and roller skates will be available for rent. : the figure 18 rollercops They will form the specially trained supervision team, within the Namur police force, to ensure the safety of the rides. There will be seven of them during each outing scheduled for Thursday.