Grade 5 students from across the municipality received an blurry eye opener last week as they took part in the Race Against Drugs program.
It was the 23rd rendition of the program, held at Erickson Arena in Chatham. Classes learned about the affects of drugs and alcohol, as well as other safety tips.
In several instances, the kids were asked to perform a task, and had to then do it while sporting goggles that simulated impairment.
“I can’t see a thing!” was heard on numerous occasions as children tried to toss a bean bag into a bucket, or drive a remote-controlled car around a track.
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Police, firefighters, EMS staff and volunteers set up various stations around the arena, and the students went from area to area throughout the day. Learning stations included impaired driving, how to recognize various drugs, cognitive impairment, and fire safety.
Teacher Dee Anna Smith of Tilbury Area Public School loved the setup.
“I really like how they’ve staged this,” she said. “They have them up and moving.”
Smith said Grade 5 is an excellent time to educate children on the impact of drugs and alcohol. She said it’s the same grade they participate in the VIP – values, influences and peers – program in their schools. The program is a joint effort by schools and police to educate children about drugs and alcohol, tobacco use, and other areas of concern, such as Internet safety.
Randi Hull, a special constable with the Chatham-Kent Police Service, said the week went well.
“The Grade 5s are very interested in what we want to share with them,” she said.
While the program has expanded over the years to include more than drug education, Hull said most of it still has a common theme.
“A lot of the activities still have a key focus on drugs or alcohol and their impairment abilities, as well as for the kids to make good decisions.
