The Sooke Skate Park was abuzz on July 14 with youth ripping through the course for Skate Jam 2012.
The community-oriented event had a large turnout, with 43 helmeted kids, teens and young adults cheering, cajoling and competing against one another.
Parents were also present on the sidelines, cheering on their children as they daringly swept through the course on skateboards or BMX bikes.
Categories were determined by skill level, which included beginner, intermediate and advanced.
A broad spectrum of skateboarders were present, from novices to those eager for sponsorships to seasoned professionals.
The event was a collaboration between SEAPARC, Regular Underground, Rotary Club and Sidestep Skateboarding school.
“I’ve gotten so much out of (skateboarding). I’ve been doing these events, not only hosting them, but also competing in them for about 10 years,” said Steven Munro, owner of Regular Underground.
“It’s just something I want to keep happening in the community,” he said. “Skateboarding is changing from just an individual thing to almost a thing the community can do together.”
Debbie Qayum, owner of Sidestep, agreed.
“I think it’s great,” she said of the event. “It’s bringing the community together.”
Entrants paid a fee of $10 to enter the competition. The event was scheduled to run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Results from Skate Jam 2012 are listed below:
Beginner
1st Kaymen Woolstencroft
2nd Riley Taylor
3rd Tyler Scheubel
Intermediate
1st Jacob Johnson
2nd Spencer Braden
3rd Martin Hubrechtse
Advanced/Sponsored Cash Cup
1st Shaun Quinn
2nd Merrick Orr
3rd Billy Sowick
Women’s Only
1st Kristie Smedley
2nd Shelley Smedley
3rd River Massey
BMX
1st Jesse Senger
2nd Dustin Anderson
3rd Dawson McCormick