Who is Racing Ricky?

Racing Ricky, a colourful racing character and his 5 racing friends (Randy, Ronnie, Rhonda, Ray and Raja) were all born on a warm, sunny day, in the spring of 2006. He came to be,when the RADD schools' committee discussed how Grade 5 students in Durham could become involved in our celebrations, commemorating the 10th Anniversary of RADD, in 2007. Our goal was to have studentsinvolved in an activity connected to literacy. As we brainstormed, "Flat Stanley" was mentioned. This was the springboard to creating our very own RADD, "flat" racing character, Racing Ricky, who would travel from school to school. Developing the literacy connection was our next challenge. The book "Riding the Tiger" by Eve Bunting was chosen to be the means by which students would learn the importance of making healthy, lifestyle choices. Riding the Tiger is a powrful allegorical tale about Danny, a new boy in town, who climbs on the back of a tiger and together they cruise the neighbourhood. The tiger represents gangs, drugs,and anything bad. This dramatically illustrated book provokes discussions about temptation, peer pressure and conformity. Students quickly learn that getting off the tiger proves to be far more challenging! riding_the_tiger With book in hand, Racing Ricky was ready to race from one school to another! However,With 105 schools it would have taken him forever and so.... Ricky's friends were born! It was decided that a different character would be created for each area.They would spread the important messages about making good and healthy choices. After the reading of the book, Grade 5 students would make their own scrapbook page which would include their Racing Character involved in healthy school activities. Eventually all the pages from the schools in each area would be put together into one scrapbook! In the end we would have 6 amazing scrapbooks! It was also decided that Racing Ricky would be the head mascot of RADD and would have the added responsibility of taking our message around the world.
You may ask, "How will this happen?" Well, as Racing Ricky travels the world with Committee members and friends, he manages to be in many photo shots. People who see him having his picture taken, tend to ask who he is and what he represents! Many people worldwide know about Flat Stanley and so they are able to then relate to our Racing Ricky.
Racing Ricky is always involved in healthy activities. He loves to travel all around the world and is a risk taker, always trying new activities. To date, he has tried skiing, dog sledding, ice racing, and competing in track and field. Ricky's friends, on the other hand, continue to travel to Durham schools to teach Grade 5 students about healthy lifestyles, personal safety, and substance abuse.