Hollywood hosts inaugural Skate Off

Enzo Juarez won Hollywood’s recent Skate Off, but the city also was a winner as the event brought together the local skating community.

The Knights of Columbus, which is adjacent to Stan Goldman Park, proposed organizing it with the city.

“Our council is designated here next to the skate park, and we thought, what better way to bring the youth together?” said Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Alberto Serrano.

Aside from trial runs for different age groups, residents could perform tricks in an all-ages showcase and enjoyed performances by local professional skaters.

The inaugural event helped showcase Stan Goldman’s skate park, said David Vazquez, assistant director of the city’s parks and recreation department.

“By adding the skate parks years ago, it gave the youth skaters a place to congregate and come,” he said. “They didn’t have to use stuff that wasn’t meant for skating.”

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and skater Tom agreed.

“It helps [the local skate community] a lot; it lets people know how big we are, that there actually is a big skate community in South Florida and that we need better things for us to grow and keep it as popular as it is,” he said.

There was rain and some lightning in the morning, but that wasn’t enough to keep skaters away. The event also included a raffle, and the Knights provided food and drinks for attendees and competitors.

Meredith Brinton’s son was among the participants.

“It’s important for him to build confidence,” she said. “He’s at that age where there is a lot of peer pressure, and this is a key time for a 9-year-old. Who cares if you win or lose? It’s [about] getting out there with kids your age.” Ginni Morrow agreed. “I think it’s really good for the local community because skateboarding has become really popular, and I think kids need to be involved in things,” she said.

Hodgson,

Alexandra Herrera can be reached at alherrera@ tribpub.com.

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