YMCA HQ with support from the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) are rolling out more opportunities for skateboarding enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
08 January 2010
DSR has provided $150,000 over two years to the YMCA HQ for a skateboard participation project, which includes a Summer Skate Series currently heating up in nine metropolitan and regional skate parks across the state.
Skate Project Participation Officer Gemma Richman said the strength of the program was that it not only encouraged youths to participate, but also provided training for those interested in honing their skills.
“The YMCA HQ Summer Skate Series is a great opportunity for kids of all ages to show off their skills, and be recognised for their talents. With the support of the Department of Sport and Recreation the series also helps create a sporting career path for competitors by providing access to local, state and national competitions,” Ms Richman said.
Heats are being held from late November 2009 until the end of January 2010 in Kwinana, Bassendean, Bunbury, Leederville, Victoria Park, Geraldton, Maddington, Albany and Nedlands, with the State Finals of the Summer Skate Series to be held at the YMCA HQ Skate Park in Leederville on 13 February 2010.
Visit www.hq.org.au for competition dates and locations.
The winners of each regional competition will progress to the State Final, and the winner of this event will head East to represent WA in the nationals.
“Based on the talent shown so far throughout the Series, WA will definitely be providing some serious challenges for the other states at the Skateboarding Australia Dew Series later this year,” Ms Richman said. “Skateboards are often placed under scrutiny, one of the aims of the Skate Project is to address this issue and help show the community that skateboarding is a genuine sport.”
Some of the funds have also been used by the YMCA to employ a part time Development Officer whose role is to raise the profile of skateboarding in WA.
Other outcomes of the project are expected to include 30 accredited coaches state-wide, conducting of coaching clinics, an online skate manual for local governments and the development of a WA skateboarding website.
“The kids I have dealt with to date with this program have been fantastic, and the older skaters are always willing to support the up and coming youth. An important part of this program is accrediting skateboarding coaches; this will allow local council’s access to skilled skaters who can help run programs and workshops in their local area,” Ms Richman said.
“Another part of the Department of Sport and Recreation and YMCA HQ program is running workshops across the state, these will be suitable for people picking up a skateboard for the first time, through to intermediate and advanced skaters who wish to improve their skills/technique.”
Anyone wanting to register their interest for the coaching clinics should contact Gemma Richman at the YMCA on 9328 3221 or 0419 396 020.
Photographs 1 & 2 courtesy of Bevan Joyce.
Photograph 3 courtesy of James Worsfold of Woosha's Sports Photography.
