Skateboard session bridges gaps

By Tyler Lowey, Times Reporter

The heavy rain that impacted and cancelled earlier events last weekend departed, and blue skies returned to Strathmore for the fourth annual Rock N Ride Skate for Change at the Skatepark June 24.
The Youth Club of Strathmore has turned this event into a chance for not just skateboarders, but BMX and scooter riders from around town to come out for a day of shredding with their friends.
“We wanted to create a more positive relationship with the kids who use the skatepark and everyone else from the community,” said volunteer Erin Corbin. “We want to show to everyone that the skatepark isn’t just for teenagers or experienced riders, but for everyone in the community.”
The day began with a two-hour free ride in the morning for everyone to get used to the ramps, pipes, bowls and jumps. Boys and girls of all ages brought their bikes, boards and scooters for some test runs.
“We have some kids with some awesome abilities in Strathmore. It’s great to see 16-year-olds helping out some 6-year-olds with their tricks. We want to show that this is a safe and fun place to be, all while celebrating a positive environment,” said youth club worker Hannah Magee.
Joining them for the second year and providing some pointers was pro BMX rider Travis Kozie.
Born in Grande Prairie, Kozie has been riding pro for more than 10 years and has been training in Calgary since 2012. He had enough time on the weekend to offer support for the next generation of riders.
“This is such a great event. It’s my second year helping out and I love to see all the kids come out and ride around the park. I’ll be out here today lending a hand if any kids want pointers on tricks and I’ll also be one of the judges later on in the competition,” said Kozie.
The Albertan also knows the impact and importance of having everyone out in the community for a day of kick flips and tail whips.
“It’s great to see the kids learn the community aspect behind a skatepark. They need to know that this is a place where they can come hang out with their friends in the same way we used to hang out at playgrounds as kids,” said Kozie. “There is still a stereotype attached to skateparks about how they are a place of crime and graffiti, and that’s just not the case. Bringing everyone out here today will hopefully break up that thought process.”
One of the riders ripping around the bowl with Kozie was 16-year-old Kolby Boutet, who said he enjoyed and appreciated the advice from his new idol.
“I started riding when I was 12 and quickly looked up to Travis. Having him here the past two years has been awesome. He helped me clean up some stuff in my run and gave me some pointers on some of my tricks,” said Boutet.
Following the two-hour ride and the barbecue lunch, a two-hour competition was held with several categories for youth of different ages and skill levels.
Joining Kozie on the panel were members from the community such as a firefighter, a paramedic and a couple of teachers.
In the beginner BMX division, Adam Ivey took first, while Rylan and Reid Zieman placed second and third, respectively. Boutet took home first in the BMX advanced division, while Cory Duxbury finished second.
Adam Kehler won the skateboard beginner division, while Jennifer Kemp took second and Rylan Zieman skated to third.
In the scooter beginner division, Tristan Lance placed first, Chase Gingerich finished second and Jack Barron took third. In the intermediate, Jack Page won the division and Tyler Katteragen placed second. Dayton Lavallee showed off his tail whips in the scooter advanced division and won it all, while Antonio Tenaglia placed second.