Skateboard Competition
Scroll down to view videos & photos
SKATEBOARDERS REPRESENT – WHITE RIVER THROUGH THUNDER BAY
This fearless skateboarder began practising the sport just one month ago in a town without a skate park - WOW!
WHITE RIVER, ON
– Saturday, August 21st as part of the Annual Winnie the Pooh Festival, skateboarding enthusiast and the creator of White River’s Skateboarding Park, Steve Vandervecht, hosted a Skateboarding Competition.
Skaters from across the Northshore came to represent Thunder Bay, Terrace Bay, Manitouwadge and Wawa competing against each other and the locals. The youngest registered competitor, a 5 yrs old with plenty of talent; the oldest, at 29 years of age was one of four senior skaters who registered, inspired by the juniors who had performed so well.
Each competitor was called to make their first 2 minute roll during which they were to use the entire park and any of the ramps, rails, the ½ pipe, ect. to showcase their skills; ollies, tail-grabs, rail grinds, drops from a platform approx. 4 ½ feet high were just a few of the tricks spectators were treated to. While alternative and rock music blasted from behind the judges, offering a soundtrack to their impromptu routines, the skaters fearlessly laid it all out. They would break while competitors took their run before Round Two started demanding each find it in himself to put out yet another 2 minute show.
15 yr old Lloyd White didn't let being the only minor in the senior division intimidate him.
Once all the juniors had passed, 15 year old Lloyd White could no longer resist. He queried Vandervecht regarding last minute registrations, he was glad to oblige. Three other skateboarders joined White, rounding off the seniors group at four, and though White was the only kid inhe the trio was 18 and up, all the athletes shared the same motive – FUN!
After everyone had skated, the judge’s scores for each skater were tallied. Vandervecht addressed those gathered presenting the top three in each category (2 junior and 1 senior) with some fantastic prizes including new decks, trucks and wheels for 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Terrace Bay skateboarders definitely represented taking several top prizes in the junior divisions. Each participant also received a great loot bag including a pair of very sleek and styling sunglasses, skateboarding decals, posters, a digital clock and more; needless to say everyone left happy.
That this senior skateboarder took 1st place was NO surprise to any of those who watched him compete!This fearless skateboarder began practising the sport just one month ago - WOW!
Organizer and park creator Steve Vandervecht ended the competition with a great exhibition run on his old school 'long board'.
