Invercargill Skate Park will come alive tomorrow [Saturday 15th January] when Skate South holds its first event, a skate, BMX, scooter and rollerblade jam/competition.

The entry-free event will feature Open and Under 16 Skate sections for both Boys and Girls and will conclude with a Best Trick feature.

Organiser James Todd said "Saturday’s event is an awesome way for people of all ages to show off their skills and I can’t wait to see everybody have fun on the day. It is also a massive opportunity to get people into the sport that haven’t been exposed to it before, as we are encouraging family and friends and anyone else who wishes to come along and watch the event. We will have a spare parts bin, which skaters and BMX riders have been asked to donate to, so people that are wanting to get into any of the sports can utilise some free parts.”

“The event will also create a better sense of community between everyone that uses the skatepark, knowing that there is a group dedicated to serving the needs of skatepark users. Having more people become introduced to the sport is great for the community, as it especially gives youth something to do when they’re bored. Skateboarding/ BMX/Scootering/Roller Skating all require commitment, dedication, patience and trust in yourself, which are great traits to learn at an impressionable age.”

“All these sports are also great for mental health and get kids off gadgets and back into the outdoors .We are hoping to introduce ourselves properly at the event to gain leverage towards getting a new indoor skatepark. Getting our youth off social media, phones and back into the community, socialising and doing exercise is so important,” he said.

Skate South was created last year to raise awareness for the need for an indoor skatepark in Southland. Their main motivation is to create a space where our youth can spend time with friends and family, exercising and having fun, regardless of the weather.

TIMETABLE:

Open rollerblade: 8.30am - 9am

(3x5 minute heats)

Open scooter: 9am - 9.30am

(3x5 minute heats)

Open BMX: 9.30am - 11am

(5x5 minute heats, then 1x10 minute final heat) 

Skate warm up/opportunity for everyone to ride: 11am - 11.30am

U16 Boy’s skate: 11.30am - 12pm

(3x5 minute heats, then 1x5 minute heat)

U16 Girl’s skate: 12pm - 12.30pm

(3x5 minute heats, then 1x5 minute heat) 

Lunch break: 12.30pm - 1.30pm 

Open Men’s skate: 1.30pm - 2.30pm (Depending on numbers 10-12x5 minute heats) 

Open Men’s Final: 2.30pm - 3.30pm

Best trick: 3.30pm – 4pm

Prizegiving: 4pm

More information can be found on the Skate South facebook page and Instagram pages.