Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Skate News - Vancouver

MAYOR LARRY CAMPBELL PROCLAIMS AUGUST 22-28 AS “SKATEBOARDING WEEK” IN THE CITY OF VANCOUVER
“British Columbia’s skateboarders have brought international distinction to our city with their achievements.” – Mayor Larry Campbell

VANCOUVER, July 27, 2005 – In a move that reflects the emerging status of the west coast as the hotbed for skateboarding in Canada, Mayor Larry Campbell has officially proclaimed the week of August 22nd to 28th, 2005 as “Skateboarding Week” in the City of Vancouver.

“The proclamation of August 22-28 as Skateboarding Week simply recognizes the rise of the sport here in the City of Vancouver and what it means as an important element of west coast lifestyle and culture for our young people and young-minded people of all ages,” said Mayor Campbell, an active champion of events and activities for the residents of western Canada’s largest city.

In the Official Proclamation, the Mayor outlines the rationale for the designation of Skateboarding Week: “British Columbia’s skateboarders have brought international distinction to our city with their achievements. Vancouver has developed and established a significant skateboard industry including the largest and oldest professional contest in North America, Slam City Jam, and a thriving skateboard community supported by the Vancouver Skate Park Coalition.”

Vancouver’s emergence as a skateboarding capital traces back to Expo ’86, when the Transworld Skateboard Championships were held here. It marked the first truly global skateboarding competition and set the stage for events like the Solo Mobile Slam City Jam, which is now part of the World Cup of Skateboarding. Today, there are dozens of skate parks throughout the Lower Mainland which have been built in cooperation with city officials and local skateboarders, and many more are planned for the future.

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Skate News - Kindersley

Thanks to Prairie Print Clipping for this news item.

Expansion increases interest in Sk8Park
Tammy Rollie - Kindersley Clarion - Wed. July 20, 2005

Kindersley has become the skating hot spot this summer.

With the recent expansion of Kindersley's Sk8Park, committee members are noticing that it's getting more attention than ever by local skate boarders.

"The skate park is the place to be," said 14-year-old skateboarding enthusiast Evan Knouse. "It's something you want to see in your town as a skateboarder."

Since the park was established in the west half of the tennis courts south of Kindersley Composite Highschool in the spring of 2004, Knouse says he's been spending every day there.

"I was skating before they started it but as soon as it happened, I was here every day," he said. "It's something to do."

After the town approved the park's expansion last spring to include the enture tennis court, and after receiving a fresh coat of asphalt, Knouse said the park is just what skateboarders have been wanting.

"It's crazy. It's so big now. I'm here every day for about three hours," he said. "If you're a skateboarder you always have to do something new or you will never get better. A big part of skateboarding is meeting new skaters and seeing what they're doing and (the park) brings us together and keeps us out of trouble."

Thirteen-year-old Matt Casoria is also encouraged by the additional space, saying it gives skaters the additional room they need.

"It's something to do so you're not at home all day."


Friday, July 08, 2005

Skate News - Prince Albert

Thanks to Prairie Print Clipping for this news article.

One vote for a skateboard park
Columnist Nestor Hrychiuk - Prince Albert Daily Herald - July 8, 2005.

Some observations: What to do with $700,000? The city wants public input and the federal government has earmarked that amount as a centennial grant celebrating the province's 100th birthday.

City council's original plan approved by a 5-4 vote to move the museum, arts and youth centre, was met with more criticism than some on the council anticipated.

During the museum-arts-youth centre debate the skateboard park proposal was often thrown into the mix. Council appears to favour a permanent park but wants input from supporters and some financial assistance. Void of any ideas, it seems to me that a skateboard park would be a perfect fit for a legacy project. It has the support of many and would finally give the sport more legitimacy than it has today. It is a sport that is more popular than most of us envision. We see kids on the sidewalks, steps of buildings, etc., and as a result develop an unfavourable attitude toward them. Yet there are excellent facilities for hockey, soccer and football and nothing permanent for skateboarders.

If given a vote I'd recommend that the grant be designated for a skateboard park that has been talked about and debated for a number of months. It would provide another outlet for young people to gather and demostrate and simply enjoy a sport most of us denigrate. Unless an idea comes up to top a skateboard park encourage council to take this step.

Have a good weekend, eh?