Sport

Skate competition a hit with young locals

By Adrienne Hartnett

Jan 26, 2022

The youngest and cutest skate competitor “Bankz” in his first competition at just 22 months of age.

Skating, scooting and biking enthusiasts put their skills to the test on Saturday, January 22 as Corowa hosted a round of the Australian Skate Park League series.

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The event, which is one of a series of amateur events being held at skate parks across Australia, gave locals the chance to pull out their best tricks they compete to be champion of their region.

Skate Park Committee Member Ellen Lewis said the day turned out better than expected.

“We had 45 competitors and around 150 spectators over the day,” Ms Lewis said.

Summer Moore and Jakai Hooke with their medals.

“There were out of towners from Albury, Wodonga and even Melbourne, which was really surprising. The YMCA were on board running the competition which is why the Melbourne competitors came up to support the event.

“The highlight of the competition was our youngest competitor who was just 22-months old. It was amazing to watch him skate up and down the slopes. The crowd loved it!”

Ms Lewis said everyone involved in the event was well-behaved and made it a terrific and worthwhile event.

“Often there are preconceived ideas of kids who use the skate park, but we get to see the real characters of the kids,” she said.

Bankz wowing the crowd with his smooth moves.

“The absolutely shone on the day. They turned up, were respectful of each other and had a ball. It was such a memorable and enjoyable day.”

There are more than 100 Skate Park League events a year, making up the Australian Skate Park League, which is the biggest and most established grassroots skateboard, scooter and BMX series in Australia.

Skating, scooting and biking enthusiasts at the Corowa Skate Park on Saturday.

The NSW competitions makes up one part of YMCA’s national pathway program which are held in skate parks across the country. As well as showcasing talent, the league also creates opportunities for young people to gain experiential practical training in skate park event management.

The Corowa round was brought to life through a partnership between North East Skate Park Series, Federation Council, Corowa Skate Park Committee, YMCA NSW, Victorian Skateboarding Association (VSA), Aus Cycling and Skate Australia.

Keen scooter rider Summer Moore showed great skill in her round.

Other major sponsors of the NSW League include Element, Goliath, Skater Maps, Scooter Hut and Root lndustries.

The competition was held in in partnership with YMCA Action Sports, Skate Australia, Victorian Skateboarding League, Aus Cycling, Federation Council and Corowa Skate Park Committee.