Community connections with pathways to the top

REGARDLESS of age, if you’ve ever wanted to try skateboarding, the YMCA has created a safe, supportive and social space to do it.

With two sessions on Wednesday afternoons and two on Saturday mornings, Skate Club has launched at the Ballarat Skate Park on Main Road.

YMCA’s Jared Ng is the initiative’s operations director, championing active lifestyles, participation in non-traditional sports and the varying styles of skateboarding, from transition to street.

“Ballarat and all your Victorian schools have your footy, cricket, basketball and soccer, so kids who generally don’t like those sports have an opportunity to get on a skateboard, given that chance,” he said.

“Skating is also part of the 2020 Olympics. We’re trying to create a steppingstone and pathways for people who want to develop in skating, to have the opportunity to get there.”

A club open to anyone in any stage of life, YMCA hopes to improve the sport’s stigma, generate more community role models and establish a positive culture.

The club’s staff welcome those who are keen to jump on a board, get moving, develop their skills and make connections.

“We have locally trained coaches to deliver those sessions and from there, we’ll run grass roots competitions for the Ballarat community,” Mr Ng said.

“I love running these competitions and clinics because you see a dad who’s been skating for 40 years hi-fiving and getting around a kid who’s just picked up a skateboard.

“It’s really creating interactions in the community. It’s important to promote physical activity and the positive use of facilities council has to offer.”

Questions can be directed to facebook.com/SkateClubYMCA, where more information, dates and times are accessible.

Skate Club is part of a Skate Park Activation Project with Sport Australia.

Over the last six months, 12 school-based Roll All Day clinics have operated locally to encourage schools to include more unusual sports in their curriculum.

Win skate sessions!

YMCA Ballarat along with the Ballarat Times and Golden Plains Times are giving you the change to grab one of three Golden Tickets. Each prize gives free access to four skateboarding sessions between now and June 2020 and is valued at $70. To go into the draw email [email protected] with the subject line ‘do a kickflip!’ along with your name and contact phone number. Winners will be drawn 12pm, Wednesday, 29 January at random and contacted by phone/ email.