Salmon Arm skateboarders have never had a chance to test their skills against each other in an organized competition, until now.
The Shuswap Family Resource Centre is presenting a skateboarding contest which will be held at the Blackburn Park skate park on August 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event will raise funds for youth programming in the community but according to Patricia Thurston, the Centre’s executive director, the real goal is to showcase talented local skateboarders.
“The first thing that I want is to spotlight the amazing youth in our community and these athletes as skateboarders. The second piece is as we’re a non profit our youth programs are limited by government funding so we have to fundraise,” she said.
Along with free counselling the centre provides youth cooking classes and youth recreation programs.
Thurston says she has been really excited for the competition and has been down at the park watching over the last month. She has been working with local skaters Mathieu Richmond and Connor Mounce to make the competition a reality.
“They both have been phenomenal and fundamental in getting this. I’m an executive director and a social worker, I have no comprehension of skateboarding.”
Thurston said everything is being covered by sponsors except for insurance which will be covered by the $10 entry fee for each participant.
Prizes for the contest are being provided by Vans and Mercy Skateboards among others.
Thurston says planning the contest has had to be a fast process as it was only approved by city council on August 14.
The contest is open to skateboarders ages 10 to 38 and will not be divided into age groups.
A 30-participant cap has been placed on the competition for its first year; 15 have already registered. If there is room, Thurston says registrations will be accepted on the day of the contest so long as they arrive at 8 a.m. to sign the waiver.
A parent or guardian must sign the waiver for skaters under 18-years-old.
The contest will begin with morning warm-up at 8 a.m. followed by a runs competition beginning at 9. In the afternoon a best trick contest will be held.
Thurston said protective equipment used will be up to skaters or their parents. Spectators and participants are expected to follow the city’s rules of the park.