Talented boys say this one’s for dad

A pair of talented Timaru brothers will soon fulfil one of their late father’s biggest wishes by riding their scooters on the national stage.

Kahurangi Day-brown, 13, and Makaia Day-brown, 10, will compete in the New Zealand Scooter Championships in Christchurch this weekend.

The competition will give them the chance to show off their best tricks in front of pro-scooter riders and, crucially, sponsors.

Their mum, Rachel Day-brown, said the pair spent hours at the skate park every day perfecting their moves. Their motivation came from their father, Tracy, who died following a battle with cancer in September.

‘‘He was down here all the time watching them. As he got sicker and sicker he would come down more,’’ Rachel said. ’’He really wanted them to go to the New Zealand champs.’’

The pair had become ‘‘really focused’’ on the competition, she said.

They also filmed their tricks and uploaded videos to their own Youtube channel.

As well as training at the skate park, they also trained at home with Rachel, who used her past experience as a competitive gymnast to help them perfect their tricks.

They also travelled to Christchurch and Wellington to practice at indoor parks.

‘‘A lot of work goes into it,’’ she said. ’’I’m just so proud of them.’’

If all goes well this weekend, the cost of that training could be reduced.

‘‘That’s where they pick up kids for sponsoring,’’ Rachel said. ’’They’d get all of their equipment for free.’’

Kahurangi’s goals for the weekend were pretty simple.

‘‘I’m hoping for the win, and to beat him,’’ he said, pointing to his brother.

As for who could do the best tricks, that was a matter of contention.

‘‘It’s me,’’ they said in unison. – Fairfax NZ