By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY
Senior Writer
The Game of Sk8 tournament began in 2007, originally as a combination of San Francisco, Vancouver and Barcelona styles of skateboarding competition. It is a game where skaters are challenged to do a trick and each skater tries it. The one that does it best moves on to the next level; those that can’t perform the trick are given a letter, like the basketball game of HORSE.
The game follows the journey in which skaters execute tricks, some with brief, rapid movements, jumps and flipping of their boards and, amazingly, safely landing back on the moving boards.
At the Lake Gregory Skate Park on June 6, it was a fun afternoon for skaters and observers alike, as the skaters on their skateboards and scooters were racing around the jumps, each trying to outdo their friends and competitors.
Following the event, certificates and trophies were awarded to each deserving competitor with prizes including skateboard decks, ball bearing sets, posters and stickers. The T-shirts and hats were very popular prizes. Even those kids who didn’t win received something for their efforts. Many kids practice every day for this type of competition. Crestline is fortunate to have such a wonderful skate park available for kids, teens and even adults who can ride every day of the year for free.
Winners on June 6 in the Scooter challenge were #1 Malachi Machuca, who received a skate seat; #2 David Curtis; and #3 Logan Fischer. The best in Elementary Skate/Scooters were #1 Roland Paine, #2 Evie Paine and #3 Bryden Rose. Winners in the Beginner Skate were #1 Cylus Ross, #2 Zuriel Hargrove and #3 Cole Stone. Winners in Intermediate Skate were #1 Matt Wolford and #2 Micah Machuca. The Advanced Skater challenge winners were #1 Trey Lanza, who received a new skate seat; #2 Malachi Machuca; and #3 Nate Seat. Trey Lanza also won for overall best trick.
The competition’s winners gather for a picture.
Regina Brown, the mother of a fentanyl victim, then 16-year-old Daunte Symonette, explained with tears in her eyes how her son had succumbed to fentanyl, which was given to him by a friend. She told the skaters to never accept any drugs, whether they are from friends or not. She further explained that there is a chemical compound that has been recently developed that can detect fentanyl if it is nearby, DEFENT, which may be used at home to check any food or drug. At the skate festival, they were handing out test kits with directions to hopefully save lives in the event fentanyl is encountered.
DEFENT is being used in ERs, at festivals, at concerts and on college campuses, and also by many by parents who suspect their kids may be using harmful drugs. Brown further explained that the Narcan nasal spray can also reverse the effects of fentanyl, if it is administered as soon as possible. Containers of Narcan were available to skaters and parents at the June 6 competition as well.
Over 100 people were there hearing the message. The skaters even stopped skating during this important talk and stood and listened. Many who had known Daunte, although sad at his loss, were happy to be able to skate in his honor.
Several companies had booths set up to sell skateboard supplies and parts. There were free tacos and hot dogs for all, donated in Daunte’s honor. There were also several local nonprofits in attendance that help youth and their families if they are facing drug problems and other issues, their booths on the edges of the skate park. Citizens on Patrol and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department were there to offer support. Thanks to Rim Family Services and the Rim Youth Coalition for making this event possible.
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