Go Rollerblading!

Photo caption: Among the proposed activities, rides organized on the RAVeL. Rollerblading was being celebrated on Saturday at the Roux sports complex, just as it was on Sunday at the Bois de la Cambre. Initiations and various activities marked these two days of promotion. As part of the European day for the development of rollerblading, everyone was able to practice as they wished on both sites. In addition to the in-line skating initiation sessions, the organizing association Skate for fun had planned other activities in partnership with the City of Charleroi: high jump, speed, free skating sessions, roller hockey and roller basketball matches. Everything to satisfy the numerous sports enthusiasts. In a stand, young athletes could have their equipment checked and maintained. Around 11 a.m., the first roller-hikers left for the Ravel while others practiced on the "street course" (in the street). The event was coordinated by the Belgian website www.rouliroula.com. Supervising this entire organization, initiated trainers guided the first wheel turns of beginners or advised other more experienced athletes. Directed by Jean-Marc Schneider, Skate for fun is based at the Roux complex. It allows the practice of leisure rollerblading in all its forms and training sessions take place every Sunday. Belgian Origins In 1760, a Belgian, Joseph Merlin, adapted metal rollers under wooden plates. He had forgotten to invent the brake... According to legend, he made a smashing entrance against a mirror when returning, wearing his invention, to a ballroom... In 1840, waitresses in several restaurants were already moving on roller skates. In 1979, the first polyurethane wheels appeared and the Olson brothers designed a pair of in-line skates. In Belgium, seven pilot cities (Brussels, Namur, Mons, Liège, Ghent, Hasselt, and Coxyde) organized roller parades during the summer of 2003. Since January 1, 2004, a new category of users has been created in the highway code: users of roller skates, rollerblades, and scooters. Will we see an in-line skating race open the 10 miles of Charleroi in 2005?