While skateboarding is one of the most popular sports for kids and teenagers, it is also one of the most dangerous and difficult to learn.
But on Saturday local skaters were given the chance to learn proper technique and safety from a professional at Skatefest at the Drumheller Skate Park.
Both new and experienced skaters spent Saturday afternoon learning the craft of skateboarding from Calgary skater Vlad Correa, while also spending time working on personal development in group activities at the skatepark and Centennial Park.
“We want kids to find something they can love and thrive in, while showing there are alternatives to smoking and drinking by highlighting the developmental assets available in the community,” said Janice Hoover, chair of the Drumheller and Area Asset Coalition, which sponsored the free event alongside the Town of Drumheller and Alberta Health Services, which funded the event and provided free lunch and snacks.
Skaters aged 6 to 19 from Drumheller and Hanna learned how to ollie, how to fall, and how to drop into halfpipes, among other skills.
The Drumheller and Area Asset Coalition is an organization made up a of different developmental groups in the area, including the Town of Drumheller, RCMP, EMS, schools, 4-H.
Members of the Drumheller RCMP and EMS attended the event, and Staff Sergeant Grant MacDonald said it’s worth their time whenever Drum RCMP can support activity among youth.
“Skateboarders are an important part of the community, and now they have an area (the skate park) where they are able to freely and safely play outdoors,” said MacDonald. “I’m proud that the skaters here have supports like the town and their parents in place that encourage skateboarding.”
“Just having a presence here and developing a connection with youth is a good thing for us.”
