Fun and a friendly comp at Skate Park

SKATE, scoot or ride your BMX in the Shire’s free Bannockburn Skate Park clinic and competition this month.

On Saturday, 20 February YMCA Action Sports will facilitate two beginner clinics for skateboarders, scooter or BMX riders at 9am and 10am, before age group competitions at 11am and 4pm.

YMCA Action Sports’ operations director Matt Brett said the program aims to be “all-inclusive” to build the confidence of young people.

“When it comes to skateboarding, the kids will learn the correct stance, basic pushing and how to fall correctly. For scooter, it’s a little bit easier with handlebars, but they’ll learn the same basic skills,” he said.

“The people running the Skate Park Leagues clinics and competition are experts in all of the different obstacles in the park, so they can teach the kids the best way to approach certain obstacles.

“Skate park activation is also part of what we do, getting the community involved.”

Prizes will be available at the competitions. Participants should bring their own helmet, but some scooters and skateboards will be available for those who don’t have equipment.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Helena Kirby said the free sessions have run before and they’re popular.

“Council is excited to deliver these events with YMCA Action Sports thanks to funding from the Victorian Government’s FreeZA program,” she said.

“I encourage all interested locals aged eight to 25 years to get involved. This will be the last major event at the old Bannockburn Skate Park before works get started in a few months to upgrade this popular facility.”

On Saturday, 20 March, a similar event will run in Smythesdale. The Smythesdale Skate Park was redeveloped in 2019.

Contact Golden Plains Youth for more information via [email protected] or by calling 5220 7106.