Bannockburn to host top skaters and riders

A SKATEBOARD, scooter, and BMX competition is coming to Bannockburn this weekend as part of the Skate Park Leagues Vic Western Regional Series.

Hosted by YMCA Action Sports and set for the town’s skatepark on Saturday, the event aims to showcase athletes from across the region with divisions for male and female talent, from under 10s, to over 18s.

“There are a lot of young people who might not like traditional sports like football, netball or basketball, and will instead go down to the skate park,” said long-time Skate Park Leagues competitor Harrison Sealey, one of the comp’s coordinators.

“We want to give them a platform to express themselves and show the skills they’ve worked so hard to achieve and to learn in a competition format.

“Skate parks can also be a forgotten or underused facility, and seen as somewhere only unsavoury characters go, but we are trying to change that perception and stereotype through inclusivity and positive use of those spaces.

“Creating a family vibe is really important.”

Sealey said people are welcome to enter to skate, ride, or scoot, whether they’re experienced or not.

“Anyone can have a go,” he said. “We pride ourselves on that absolute inclusivity.

“But at the same time, there will be the open sections, and Bannockburn’s known for producing some really great talent.

“The town is just the right distance away from both Geelong and Melbourne as well, so some fantastic high-level participants will come down.”

Winners of each section will take home medals, and throughout the day, prizes will be given at random.

The program will run from 11am to 4pm, and registrations can be made via bit.ly/3FqKV4T.