URBAN SPORTS EVENT 2009

BMX, in-line skating and skateboarding were just some of the activities which over 60 local youngsters took part in at last week’s Urban Sports Event.

The free event, which was funded and organised by Thanet District Council’s Sports Matters Team, gave local youngsters the chance to take part in activities, competitions and coaching sessions all featured around the popular urban sports theme and all set to popular urban music.

Coaching areas were provided for those who wanted to brush up on their skills while those with more experience were able to compete against each other on the main ramps with fabulous urban themed prizes on offer for the winners including hoodies, t-shirts, arm pads, stickers and wallets!

This is the second year the event has been held at the Lymington Road Skate Park and is carried out in partnership with Revolution Skate Park and Pipeline Youth initiative.

Mr Benson, a parent of one of the BMX participants said ‘As a previous skater myself there was never anything like this when I was growing up. It is great there is a range of things to do for kids especially those not particularly interested in mainstream sports. The Council should do more things like this to encourage kids to get involved and get rid of the bad image.”

Mrs Elassri a parent of 5 and 8 year old children said ‘We have already taken advantage of the surfing sessions and the summer programme is a good way for parents to let their children try an activity without committing lots of money before they know if they’ll like it. Today is a great example where my child had asked to go to Revolution but hadn’t had the opportunity. We will certainly be going now!’

Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr Shirley Tomlinson said: “This is the second successful year of this event and really goes to show how popular urban sports are for our young people. I think it’s really important to provide a wide range of activities and events because people have interests in all areas. Our Sports Matters team deliver an amazing programme of sporting events year round and the activities on offer this summer really are no exception. Providing this type of event not only helps to keep local children occupied during the school holidays but also gives them the option to pursue a healthy lifestyle into adulthood.”

The results of the competitions:

Under 16s BMX = 1st Jack Benson (14),
Over 16s BMX = 1st Sam Everard (15)

Under 16s Skateboard = 1st Ben Greenstreet (12)
Over 16s Skateboard = 1st Greg Burney (16)

All age Scooter = 1st John Luke (14), 2nd Gemma Williams (12), 3rd Sam Richardson (9)