Wild Fun and Relaxation on Wheels

NAMUR ROLLER PARADES Wild Fun and Relaxation on Wheels Roller parades will once again bring life to the city center and its outskirts at dusk. Here we go again for a summer of madness, every Thursday, on the Namur tarmac. Invited by Carl De Moncharline – initiator of the project – to participate in the Belgium Rollers Summer Tour last year, the City of Namur embarked on the adventure. This full-scale test was conclusive: each week in July and August, the number of participants on wheels grew steadily. During the last parade, 1500 people took the start! If it ain't broke, don't fix it: this summer, Namur is doing it again. Only major changes: the day (Thursday, this year) and the starting point, planned under the patio of the City Hall (free parking for participants). The site will be perfectly suited to welcome participants. This would not have been possible last year, given the major works undertaken in the city center. The "cops," summer version But to properly supervise the enormous procession that would move through the city and its periphery each week, a competent staff was needed. The Namur police therefore called upon its "roller cops," specially trained for the 2003 operation. Some auxiliaries having been promoted, and thus assigned to other tasks, the Roller Parade staff trained new agents. At all times, they must be able to quickly move to the head or tail of the procession, but also to avoid unexpected obstacles. On Tuesday, the "roller cops" of the 2004 vintage demonstrated their skills. Their new "adapted" uniform was also unveiled. Tight capri pants, summer polo shirt: the uniform pleasantly recalls American TV series stamped with the "Palm Beach" seal! For his part, the alderman for sports and leisure, Frédéric Laloux, eagerly re-signed: "What struck me most, beyond the enthusiasm of the participants, was the interest shown in the event by residents. When we passed by their homes, some people were waiting for us, sitting by the side of the road." It's true that the Roller Parade is all about atmosphere: music, shouts of joy, lights, charming hostesses.... We'll see you on Thursday... Last year during the last parade, there were 1500! : in brief SCHEDULES AND NOVELTIES ■ Start. Every Thursday in July and August at 8 PM from the city hall. Meet from 7 PM. Children must be equipped with protective gear. Bicycles are allowed to participate at the end of the procession. They must be equipped with lights and reflective devices, as well as a bell. ■ Classes. This is new: rollerblading initiations will be organized from 6 PM under the patio of the city hall. ■ "Boo-boos" staff. The first aid staff will be expanded to treat minor injuries. ■ Two routes. They will be alternated. One, more urban (19 km), will move through the center, towards Salzinnes, Plomcot, and Jambes. The other (21.5 km) will go towards the periphery (Dave, Wépion, La Plante,...). : questions for... Abdel Aboutaher, "ROLLER COP" ■ Last year, what problems were encountered on the route? There weren't any, strictly speaking. We just noticed that there were too many young children, which can represent a certain danger. This was especially the case during the first parades. ■ This work differs significantly from your usual tasks, doesn't it? Certainly! This activity brings us much closer to the citizens. The fact that we are there to supervise people and support them contributes to a good understanding, a good atmosphere. People talk to us much more. And it is clear that this work is different from what we do the rest of the year. It's different...