A summer of inline rides

Entertainment | After its success in 2002, "Brussels Rollers" becomes "Belgium Rollers" for the 2003 season Sixty days of roller skating in seven cities across the kingdom. From June 27 to August 31. In Brussels, the gathering is set for every Friday at 8 p.m. in the Bois de la Cambre. After the success of its 2002 edition, the first of its kind, "Brussels Rollers" becomes "Belgium Rollers". And gets back in line for a new summer season. Originating from an idea by Carl de Moncharline, a well-known figure in vibrant Brussels, last summer more than 30,000 participants and 100,000 spectators brought success to the project imported – once again! – from Paris. Our ambition for the first year was to have between 300 and 500 people per outing, confides Carl de Moncharline. Right from the first outing, we were 2,500. Then, we quickly found ourselves with an average of 8,000 people. A success that gives birth to a national format for "Brussels Rollers". Thus, from June 27 until August 31, no fewer than seven cities will participate in the operation. That is almost one city per day for about sixty days. The first outing will take place this June 27 in Brussels and the last one in Mons on August 31. Note that, at the same time, the team of "Roller cops" is expanding with now more than 60 police officers on roller skates in Brussels, Hasselt, Mons, and Namur. For an inline ride, starting at 8 p.m. (welcome), of approximately 20 km. A ride that will also take place in Ghent, Liège, and Koksijde. Last summer, "Rollers Brussels" attracted more than 30,000 participants and 100,000 spectators Those who have not yet mastered the technique, specifies the organizer, will also be able to practice in Brussels on Belgium's largest outdoor roller track, in the Bois de la Cambre. And this, starting from the Carrefour des Attelages, every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Finally, Carl de Moncharline concludes by reminding that the mission of "Belgium Rollers" is to organize and promote roller outings and, by extension, to promote roller skating as a leisure activity, a sport, and a means of transport. While allowing citizens to rediscover their cities differently. Unlike last year, when the departure was from Place Poelaert, for the 2003 summer edition, the Brussels meeting point will now be the Carrefour des Attelages in the Bois de la Cambre. For a ride along the inner ring road and central boulevards that will take participants to the Halles Saint-Géry. With a return to the woods scheduled for around 11 p.m. Please note, wearing protective gear will be mandatory for children and recommended for adults. One more thing, in case of rain, the ride is postponed to the following Friday. So, get rolling, youth... • Info: 0900-24.064 or www.belgiumrollers.com Rollermania at Woluwe Park Roller skating is good, doing it safely is better. That is the message the non-profit organization "Garza Roller" has been trying to convey for four years. Throughout this year, the small association, a partner of the Roller Parade, toured the capital, stopping regularly to offer advice, courses, and training. This "Bruxelles Roller Tour 2003" will end in style on Friday, July 4, at Woluwe Park. For the occasion, the vast green space will put itself entirely at the disposal of urban gliding enthusiasts starting at 10 a.m. On the program for this day, organized jointly with the IDJ association (Information for youth and the general public), there will naturally be an awareness session on roller safety, but also introductory and advanced courses, an acrobatic roller demonstration, and, to finish in style, a musical family ride. Our philosophy is inspired by the American concept of "self-skating", explains Oscar Karekezi, founder of the non-profit organization "Garza Roller". For the skater, it means protecting oneself, but also respecting others and integrating into the urban environment. All year round (except for a few harsh winter days), the association gives lessons at the Bois de la Cambre ice rink for the modest sum of 6 euros per hour. You shouldn't think that only children take these lessons, confides Oscar. More and more adults are attracted, especially women, because they realize that this sport offers many benefits for their body... During the summer, the association's instructors set up every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carrefour des Attelages in the woods. They teach, free of charge, what is both basic and essential, namely how to brake, smiles Oscar. Because otherwise, a beginner's brake is street furniture... And that can cause damage. In the future, the association wants to further strengthen the social aspect of skating. Roller skating is for everyone. That is why, by 2004, we are going to train a few youth leaders in roller skating. • Info: www.ganzaroller.org or 0495-804.104.