Major Olympics event confirmed for Lismore

LISMORE skatepark will host an Olympic pathway skateboarding event in April, with athletes competing for national ranking points at the Rumble in the River.

The competition will run from April 16 to 19 and forms part of the Rumble Pro Tour, one of only four national events to feature both Street and Park disciplines.

It will be the first major event hosted at the $3.9 million skatepark since it opened last year.

Skateboarders will earn points towards national team selection as part of the official pathway to the Olympic Games.

More than 150 competitors from across Australia are expected to take part across multiple divisions, including age and open categories.

The event includes $20,000 in cash and prizes, split evenly across Street and Park, with equal prizemoney for men and women.

Lismore mayor Steve Krieg said hosting an Olympic pathway event was a significant milestone for the city.

“Our skatepark is one of the best in Australia, and hosting an event of this level reflects the success of the investment made in Lismore’s future,” he said.

Rumble general manager Matt Wilson said competitors were keen to skate the Lismore facility.

“The park itself is absolutely world class, and I know the skaters love it,” he said.

Funded by the state government, the park was earmarked for national skateboarding and competition events.

It could also serve as a training base for Australian and international athletes ahead of the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.

The design and finished build was supported by Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, Mini Skateboarders Northern Rivers, 36Chambers, local skaters, BMX riders, youth workers, police and the council.

The Rumble Pro Tour event will be livestreamed and form part of the council’s Youth Week program.

Live music, food trucks and learn-to-skate clinics will run alongside the competition, with competitor registrations opening in March.