去年の夏、カナダのインライン少年２人が２００キロ走破したという古い話ですが、その訳が何と！募金を集めカナダ軍をサポートする為と知り・・・これはニュースです。カナダではボーイスカウト風のハット被っている騎兵って尊敬されてました。この場合の Ｔroops は騎兵だと思ったのですが、ビデオでは Army と言っていたのでアフガンに派遣された軍のようです。まー美談のようで、ちょっと軍隊アレルギーの人には違和感を感じるかも知れません。Notebook に似合わないかと思いましたが、余計な事は考えず・・・何でもイイ、滑ったのなら。
Two teens rollerblade 200 km to support the troopsArticle and photos by Sgt Dennis Power (Aug. 28, 2007)
Scott Lesage (left) and Jarred Letourneau roller-bladed 200 kilometres from Winnipeg to CFB Shilo to show their support for soldiers.
During the middle of August when most teens have settled into the relaxed pace of summer, two Winnipeg boys rollerbladed 200 kilometres to CFB Shilo to honour Canadian soldiers. They dubbed their venture the "Honour Roll".
The idea had been in their minds for a couple of years. Scott Lesage and Jarred Letourneau, both 17 years old, thought that a long-distance skate to the base at Shilo would be a great way to show their support for the Army. "We both have a lot of respect for what the soldiers do, and this is our way of showing them," said Lesage.
 The original plan was to complete the distance in one day, but with concerns about the weather, traffic, and a requirement for permits, they decided to do it over a three-day period. It would turn out to be a wise decision. Heat and humidity were the biggest challenges as they completed over 80 km on the first day. On the second day they completed another 100 km through a driving wind strong enough to push them backwards when they stopped for rest breaks.
On Sunday, they had an easy skate for the last 13 km from the Trans-Canada Highway into CFB Shilo. Near the end of their skate they were joined by members of the Shilo Teens Club. One club member, Dale Churchill, skateboarded the last two kilometres with Lesage and Letourneau. Their arrival was very low-key, but they were glad to be done. Soldiers coming out of the CANEX took a real interest in what the two ambitious teens had just accomplished and expressed their appreciation for the support.
Though they were very young at the time, both Letourneau and Lesage have clear memories of the day that sparked the current war in Afghanistan. Since then they have kept up with the involvement of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan, and wish they would hear more positive news about the deployed troops in the media.
 "We hear all negatives in the news, and some of the major events, but it would be good to hear more about the everyday stuff that goes on, not just the deaths," said Letourneau. "What the soldiers are doing over there is on our behalf, they deserve our respect for what they do, and we should hear more about it."
"Before the skate I had a deep respect for the troops, now it´s much deeper. We were on the road for three days, and we had some challenges to overcome. For the troops overseas the challenges and danger must seem endless, but they do their job everyday," said Lesage, "I hope they all stay safe, and make it home soon."
Funds raised by Letourneau and Lesage during their skate to Shilo will go towards supporting Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund (CFPAF) initiatives for deployed soldiers, and the families of fallen and wounded soldiers. Donations to the "Honour Roll" will be accepted at any TD Canada Trust bank until the end of November 2007.
The Canadian Army: Two teens rollerblade 200 km to support the troops
Local Effort to Lift Spirits of Canadian Soldiers17 WING WINNIPEG (Aug. 29, 2007) Two local Winnipegers, Scott Lesage and Jarred Letourneau, made a two and a half day journey on roller blades from 17 Wing Winnipeg to Shilo, to raise funds and awareness in support of Canadian troops, August 10 to 12, 2007.
"Hopefully this lifts the spirits of the fighting troops," said Scott Lesage, 17 years old.
"Maybe this fundraiser will help support the families of troops all over Canada and my heart goes out to them," said Jarred Letourneau, 17 years old.
The boys are avid rollerbladers and are gone for the better portion of everyday enjoying their passion. One day they decided to combine their passion with their admiration for Canadian soldiers, even though both boys have no family connection to the military.
"I'm really proud of what they're doing and I'm always supporting them," said Scott's mother, Debbie Lesage.
In their own battle against fatigue and winds gusting 20-40 km/hr, the boys developed an even deeper understanding for what soldiers must endure physically in Afghanistan.
"Going into the skate they had a deep respect for the soldiers and the challenges they face everyday. After three days on the road, they had an even deeper respect for what these soldiers must face for months on end," said Sergeant Denis Power, a reporter for Army News who monitored the boys' progress.
St James' MLA Bonnie Korzeniowski was at the start line and wished the boys good luck in their determination to support our Canadian soldiers. Jarred and Scott took up skating at a young age and now as young advocates for our soldiers their footprint has not gone unnoticed. The boys raised $850.00 during their venture and still encourage donations at an account that they have set up at TD Canada Trust called ‘The Honour Roll'.
17 Wing - Winnipeg: Local Effort to Lift Spirits of Canadian Soldiers
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