Competition draws a crowd
Published 4:02 pm Sunday, June 23, 2013
Collin Wilson catches big air coming off a ramp during the scooter competition of a fundraiser for new equipment at the Austin skate park Friday afternoon. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Dozens of tricksters slid down rails, flew off ramps and showed off their style Friday afternoon at what was a first at the Austin skate park: a competition and fundraiser.
A crowd of people gathered at about 3 p.m. and watched stunt junkies attack the skate park with two-wheel scooters, skateboards and bikes during a hot afternoon. Autumn Lopez of Austin, who organized the event, aimed to raise funds for new equipment at the skatepark. Total proceeds weren’t immediately available on Friday.
Enky Fernandez comes off a ramp during a competition Friday afternoon at the Austin skate park. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
During the past weeks, Lopez sold Austin Skaters Association tee shirts and spread the message about the event, which featured local skater Ben Weis as the announcer and DJ Matt Bartholomew, along with raffles and prizes.
Despite the recent rain, the course was in good shape, as Austin Parks and Recreation employees cleaned it off earlier in the day. And Lopez said plenty of businesses donated to the effort with gift certificates and giveaways.
“Everyone has been really stoked,” Lopez said as the free contest got underway. “It’s pretty awesome — the fact that everyone is here.”
In all, more than 100 people gathered at the skate park as the sun shone on the course.
Family and friends eagerly watched as competitors tried to pull off their best tricks.
Whispers of “this is so cool,” and other positive messages spread from parent to parent. One parent wondered why the event hadn’t happened more often.
“I love it,” said Stephanie Stark, whose 13-year-old son, Coy, participated in the scooter competition. “He’s been so excited.”
Though Coy shows horses and has quite a country side to him, he gels at the skate park as well. Initially, Stephanie was a little worried about the whole thing — skate park and all. She quickly got over those fears, along with many other parents.
“He started coming down here with his friends, and he’s just had such a positive experience,” she said.
Coy said people he has met at the skate park have been good to him and have even helped him work on tricks. Though he didn’t win on Friday, he enjoyed the competition.
“I think it’s pretty fun,” he said. “I want to do it again.”
Scooter riders wait for the okay to start their competition during a fundraiser Friday at the Austin skate park to raise money for new equipment.
Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Something says he may get his wish.
