SKILLED skateboarders made impressive waves at an event last Saturday that marked the start of 2015 Youth Week.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
About 200 people attended the free skate event, the Parklarks Youth Festival, for ages 12-18 at Rockdale Bicentennial Skate Park.
Rockdale Council launched the annual week for young Australians.
National Youth Week, until April 19, is the largest celebration of young people in Australia.
The 2015 theme — "It starts with us" — gave St George youth the chance to show off their skills, meet new friends and to celebrate the sport of skateboarding.
There was also laser tag, a mobile game theatre, bumper balls, hamster ball, stalls and youth services.
Totem Skateboarding joined the council to bring the community program to St George.
The Redfern-based company hosts skate events in NSW.
Head coach Nigel Cameron said the day had been a huge success.
"The skate park was packed with parents watching their children," he said.
Mr Cameron said about 50 skaters had taken part.
"A five-year-old was our youngest competitor; another highlight was the girls giving it a go," he said.
"They have lower centric gravity so they have heaps of balance."
He said the event had a wider message: "Healthy lifestyle and choices were a focus; we're using our skills to connect with kids and bring in services to keep them informed."
Rockdale mayor Shane O'Brien said the success of the event could lead to more in future.
‘‘This was an initiative of our youth council so it’s great to see young people take an interest in their community,’’ he said.
‘‘To see so many people come out gives us an inkling that there is a want for it and I would like to see even more events like this.’’
