Mons | This June 29, first Mons stop for "Belgium Rollers" Every Saturday, roll on, youth!

If Saturday means ravioli, it can also be roller-skating day. Mons has indeed joined "Belgium Rollers" this year. Originally named "Brussels Rollers", this weekly supervised family outing for inline skating enthusiasts was previously limited to the Capital. Given its success (an average of 8,000 people per weekly outing), the concept has been extended to seven cities across the country. During July and August, Monday was reserved for Hasselt; Tuesday for Namur; Wednesday for Gand; Thursday for Liège; Friday for Bruxelles; Sunday for Coxyde. And so Saturday is Mons' turn. Both literally and figuratively, as the circuit completes a loop of about twenty kilometers around the city, venturing into Cuesmes, Hyon, and the Grand Large. Each time, the meeting point is set for 8 p.m. on the Grand-Place. After a warm-up, the start is given from the top of the rue d'Havré for a police-escorted ride that brings the pack back safe and sound around 11 p.m. to the starting point. In Mons, because of the countless cobblestone streets inside the city center, designing a smooth route was no easy task. The Mons police contributed their expertise to the initiative. Every Saturday, they will supervise the local stage of "Belgium Rollers". Twenty-one police officers, representing nearly 10% of the total force, even pushed professionalism as far as undergoing a specific eight-hour roller training course provided by Carl de Moncharline, the event promoter. Taking turns, these "roller cops" will be on duty on Saturdays to ensure the event runs smoothly. Police Commissioner Garin is already thinking about a concept to make the experience permanent. I am considering organizing roller-skating police patrols at the Grands Prés site, near the Brico de Ghlin and the Grand Large. It would be a great marketing operation for the police. Saturday, the start will be given from the Grand-Place in Mons at 9 p.m. Participation is free. Wearing protective gear is mandatory for children and strongly recommended for adults. It is possible to rent roller skates on site (10 euros per pair). And those who wish to follow on bicycles are also welcome. • Info at www.belgiumrollers.com or 0900/24.064 (0.45 euro/minute).