By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
After a six-year hiatus, the Racing Against Drugs (RAD) initiative is again carrying important information to local youth.
Aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and the benefits of healthy living, more than 1,000 Grade 5 students participated in the week-long event held at Chatham’s Erickson Arena.
According to the Chatham-Kent Chapter of Racing Against Drugs board chairperson Amanda Wyatt, fifth-grade is the ideal age for young students to grasp the message.
“Grade 5 is the best time for the kids; they’re right at the time for them to start learning about the effects of drugs and alcohol,” Wyatt told reporters. “They’re going to be watching their parents at this age, so, this is a perfect time to learn how everything affects their body in this day and age.”
Learning opportunities were made available at 11 different “pit stops,” culminating in a Fast and Furious style remote-control car race at the end. Each stop covered a different topic, ranging from smoking and vaping, to nutrition, bike safety, and the effects of impaired driving.
“The race track is the biggest one for the kids,” Wyatt said, “because we’re engaging the students. We want to make it fun; we want to make it memorable for them while reinforcing the critical safety prevention messages that all of us want to get out to these students, so they know how to deal with drugs and alcohol when they are given it.”
After RAD was derailed by the pandemic, Wyatt said organizers were forced to regroup and the board had to make sure there was enough cash on hand to rekindle the forum.
“It was perfect,” Wyatt explained. “Covid was done, so let’s try and bring back a great program for the kids and get them back involved in learning about drugs and alcohol and their safety.”
The Racing Against Drugs event is co-ordinated by staff and volunteers from various agencies, including Chatham-Kent Public Health, C-K Community Health Centre, C-K EMS, C-K Fire & Rescue, C-K Mental Health Table, C-K Police Service, C-K Ontario Health Team, CK Public Health, Lambton-Kent District School Board, Restorative Justice Chatham-Kent, and the St. Clair Catholic District School Board.
The Racing Against Drugs program was developed by the R.C.M.P.
Anyone interested in participating in Racing Against Drugs 2027 by volunteering or hosting a pit stop is invited to contact Wyatt via email at co_chicky@hotmail.com.
