Skate competition set to fly again in Drouin

Some of the region’s finest skaters are set to showcase their talents once again when the annual Drouin skate competition returns during the Ficifolia Festival.

There are three categories of competition, with competitors able to enter the skateboarding, scooter or BMX competition at a beginner, intermediate or expert level.

Cr Keith Cook said that the event is again hoping to increase in numbers this year.

“Last year we had around 60 competitors which was great, however, this year we are hoping for around 80 throughout the categories,” he said.

Western Australian based Shaun Jarvis will again be bringing his Free Style Now team across to help run the event, including judging the event himself alongside two others. Shaun will also commentate the event for spectators which Cr Cook said benefits those who may not have seen much competition.

“People can expect more than a competition, it’s more like a show,” he explained. “Some of the expert runs are really entertaining. For those who don’t know much about the skate comp it’s a really good one to come and see what it’s all about.”

The competition is one that offers those who aren’t as taken by team sports to express their talent and skillset on an individual level.

With ages ranging from as young as five to as old as 23, it gives everyone a chance to compete for a medal and prizes. Cr Cook said that the youngest competitor last year had one of the loudest cheers on the day.

“Some of the younger competitors, although they can’t do the big tricks, still go out on their scooters and get a loud cheer just for getting out there and having a go,” he said.

This year there are a total of $2000 in cash and prizes on offer for competitors, with each member of the podium receiving a medal for their efforts.

With three judges on hand to mark runs on difficulty, diversity and consistency of the tricks they undertake, the competition will quickly heat up when the finals arrive at 5pm on February 16.

To enter competitors can register by heading to the Free Style Now Facebook page, or on the day at 2pm. There will also be a practice run at 12:30pm for those registered to fine tune their tricks and run lines on the park leading up to the event.

Cr Cook said that the event works in with the Ficifolia Festival and the competition will cease when the walking parade begins to make sure as many people are involved as possible.

“We work in with the festival, and when the walking parade starts we’ll take a break between our heats to give those who want to watch or be involved a chance to do that, before reconvening at 5pm for our finals which is sure to be a hit among the spectators,” he said.

The cost is $5 to enter the beginner or intermediate competitions and $20 for open competitors in the expert category. For those under 15, a parent or guardian will need to fill in a registration form on the day.

For more information and to register for the event now, visit the Free Style Now Facebook page.