Belgium Rollers in all cities, except Antwerp

BRUSSELS Own coverage Brussels Rollers becomes Belgium Rollers. Just like last summer, starting tomorrow evening, thousands of skaters will roll through the streets of Brussels every Friday again. But those absent need not panic, because the Roller Parade will visit six other cities throughout the summer. In seven central cities, over the next 66 days, people will glide through the streets on roller skates. On August 31, Mons brings up the rear. Antwerp did not map out a route. Last summer, the Roller Parade followed a twenty-kilometer route in Brussels every Friday. For the concept, the capital took inspiration from big brother Paris. Initiator Carl de Moncharline, a PS candidate in the 2000 municipal elections, managed to convince Brussels mayor and party colleague Freddy Thielemans to bring the Roller Parade to Brussels. The success was enormous: the event attracted 100,000 visitors and 30,000 participants. On peak days, the parade reached up to 6,000 participants. Spokesman Laurent Winrock of Belgium Rollers has several explanations for last year's success: "The Roller Parade is an informal and recreational celebration. There is absolutely no competitive atmosphere. Furthermore, participants find the idea of gliding through the streets in the dark quite exciting. Above all, the Roller Parade is a free event." Brussels remains the host city on Friday evening, but de Moncharline did adjust the route: the parade starts and ends at the Bois de la Cambre. Laurent Winnock: "Having the same start and end point is practically very advantageous. Near the Bois de la Cambre there is also plenty of room to park." The other cities also have their fixed day. On Saturday it is Mons' turn, Koksijde on Sunday, Hasselt on Monday, Namur on Tuesday, Ghent on Wednesday, and Liège on Thursday. During the Ghent Festivities, the Artevelde city skips two Wednesdays. In Koksijde there will be no skating on July 13 and 20, and August 10 and 24. Ostend and Antwerp were also contacted, but both cities failed to show up. The queen of seaside resorts has already promised to definitely participate next year. Antwerp's withdrawal raises more eyebrows. According to Winrock, the request came during a full administrative crisis. "At the time, they presumably had other things on their minds," says Winrock. However, the organization's request was indeed well received in the Scheldt city. Dirk Delachambre of the external relations department: "However, no suitable route was found for such a large parade. The cobblestone sections in the center are obviously not suitable for roller skating. We also fear that the roller skaters will completely paralyze Antwerp once a week." Alderman for Sport Chantal Pauwels (Agalev) is going to urge the college of aldermen to get on board next year. www.belgiumrollers.com, 0900-24.064.