By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY
Senior Writer
The recent Game of Skate at the Crestline Skate Park featured a dozen or more skateboarders of various skill levels and nearly 100 spectators and sponsors who came together witness some amazing feats of skating agility. At the same time, the event focused on the menace of drug abuse which, in March 2021, claimed the life of 16-year-old skater Daunte Symonette.
Daunte Symonette’s mother, Regina Brown, explains the danger posed by street drugs such as fentanyl.
Daunte’s mother, Regina Brown, recalled how one of Daunte’ acquaintances had given him a pill (reportedly fentanyl). “My 16-year-old son took one half of a pill, and he was in the hospital for six days before he died. You cannot trust anyone,” she said (with tears in her eyes), “and I don’t want anyone to go through what I’ve been through.”
Prior to the skating competition, event sponsor Skyforest-based Rim Family Services provided pizza and other refreshments, while Sandals Church furnished candy and others gave out granola bars.
Malachi performs another astounding jump.
Jacquelyn Quiros, recovery center coordinator for Rim Family Services, told skaters that winners in each of four skating divisions would be given skateboard platforms, four of which had been signed by well-known skating professionals.
The Game of Skate began with Advanced Division competitors, each demonstrating their best tricks; they were given 45 seconds to complete each of three rounds. Next came the Intermediate Division contestants, who followed the same regimen of hopping onto and over obstacles, then rolling to the tops of ramps and jumping while spinning in mid-air. The same routines were repeated by the Beginner’s Division. Finally, the same regimen was performed by contestants of all ages on scooters.
Prior to announcing the winners in each division, Regina Brown, who was also an event sponsor, announced over the loudspeaker, “After Daunte died, there were six more drug-related deaths in five months. Just say no,” she said, adding, “This is the third year of doing this and we will have it every year.” She then handed the microphone to Janna Peterson, the mother of another drug victim.
“I’m the mom of 17-year-old JJ,” Peterson said. “The last time I saw him he was wearing a yellow jacket,” she said, crying. “If someone tries to give you something, walk away from them; just say no.”
Brian Blankenship captured a first-place trophy in the Intermediate Division.
A Rim Family Services official then announced the top four winners. Those winning first place awards were Malachi Machuca (Advanced), Brian Blankenship (Intermediate), Zackary Miller (Beginner) and Malachi Machuca (Scooter).
When all was said and done, a media specialist from Mountains Community Hospital explained the effectiveness of Narcan in saving the lives of drug overdose victims and invited anyone who was interested in saving a life to leave with a box of Narcan.
Zackary Miller was awarded a first-place trophy in the Beginner Division.
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