Smooth Sailing

The Roller Parade starts this Friday BRUSSELS ∇ Many were skeptical in Brussels, but the Brussels Rollers were a huge hit in 2002. The concept imported from Paris by Carl de Moncharline and the Mayor of Brussels, Freddy Thielemans, met with resounding success, drawing a total of around 30,000 participants and a good 100,000 spectators over the season. They have therefore decided to do it again, involving six other cities in the operation: Mons, Namur, Liège, Hasselt, Ghent, and Koksijde. In practice, this summer, those who want to skate every day will have plenty to keep their calves busy, as a circuit will be organized every day of the week in one of these cities, weather permitting. Indeed, in case of rain or even risk of rain, the ride will be automatically canceled and not, as was the case last year in Brussels, postponed to the following week. This resulted in constant postponements and difficulty in managing the police personnel required to supervise the parade, the aptly named roller cops. The very first takes place this Friday, June 27 at 8 p.m. in Brussels, and the last is scheduled in Mons on August 31. In the capital, the departure will no longer be held at Place Poelaert, but at the Carrefour des Attelages, in the Bois de la Cambre. Warm-up at 8 p.m., departure at 9 p.m., break at Halles Saint-Géry at 10 p.m., and return to the wood by 11 p.m. Please note: wearing protective gear is mandatory for children and recommended for adults. Training sessions in the Bois de la Cambre on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info at www.belgiumrollers.com A parade for the King BRUSSELS ∇ To celebrate the ten-year reign of King Albert II, the organizers of Belgium Rollers have planned to put together a family Roller Parade on Sunday, July 20, departing at 12:30 p.m. from Parc du Cinquantenaire, on the Schuman-Joyeuse Entrée side. An exceptional route has been planned, shorter than that of the regular Roller Parade (return at 2:30 p.m.). It should even include Rue de la Loi, despite its numerous roadworks! Participants are requested to dress in black-yellow-red, obviously. Info at www.albert2.be.