East Ottawa Star
Published: Friday, July 10, 2009

Speedy youth races down south

On July 25, a 10-year old boy from the Avalon area of Orléans will attempt to conquer the world at the All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship in Akron, Ohio.

Alexandre Roy (who once attended the same school as my son, there, my bias is on the table) seems to be taking his newfound fame in stride – with articles in this paper and both Ottawa dailies – as he counts the sleeps until the long 10-hour ride to Ohio with his family on or about July 17 or 18.

What started out four years ago as a simple “oui” from his father after Alexandre asked if he could try soap box racing, has turned into a full-out family passion and adventure. And if you think soap box racing is a casual affair, check out www.aasbd.org; this is a serious pursuit in every sense of the word.

Young Mr. Roy had to win twice in Peterborough (on May 25 and June 14) to qualify for this month’s finals. And it will be a long day in Akron. His vehicle has already been shipped to Akron for the certification process on July 20, complete with a new steering column, new axle and revamped wheels -- all within specifications and to give Alexandre the best chance of success.

For if he is to win it all, it will be a long day on July 25, stretching from sign-in around 8 a.m. to the first heats at 9 a.m. right through to the final – some six or seven heats later – down a 400-metre hill or so around 5 p.m. or later. And each heat is actually a double race against your opponent first down Lane 1, then back up the hill and down Lane 2 (or vice versa) with the time differential of the two races determining which rider moves on.

So is Alexandre nervous? He simply responds, “no.” Is he excited? “Yes,” he tells me. Does he want to win? And here is where his sportsmanship and perhaps a maturity beyond his years (not to mention great parenting) shines through. He tells me he wishes each opponent good luck before the race and then races his best.

And if his vehicle or another competitor’s is damaged, then everyone (read: the dads and the moms) pitch in to see if it can be fixed for the next race. It truly is a sporting and collaborative endeavour.

As someone who knows this young boy and his family (mom, dad and younger brother Félix-Olivier), our community, our city and our country could not have a better ambassador later this month in Akron.

And since summer has chosen to boycott Canada this year, Alexandre’s adventures bring some virtual sunshine into our lives.

Bonne chance Alexandre, nous sommes fiers de toi.

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If you wish to send your best wishes to Alexandre, please e-mail orleansouttakes@transcontinental.ca.