Extreme sports at Weymouth's skatepark (From Dorset Echo)

Extreme sports at Weymouth's skatepark

9:20am Saturday 5th September 2009 in

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DAREDEVILS will be competing for extreme sports titles at a skatepark in Weymouth.

Skateboarders, BMX riders and inline skaters will be showing off their skills in the championships at the Front.

BMX aces will be the first to jump into action today at Greenhill.

The end of summer championships come after the skatepark underwent a £17,000 overhaul and has received backing from Weymouth College to help run the popular park.

Skatepark manager Henry Johnson said: “We’re thrilled people from the area can use the newly renovated park to show their talent at our end of summer championships.

“It’s great to have Weymouth College helping us with management advice.

“We have the jumps and ramps in place and now have the management understanding needed to run a great championship for Weymouth skaters.”

Competitions are due to be held later in September to find the best skateboarders and inline skaters.

Categories include first, second and third places. There will be a special award for best jump, sponsored by designer, We The People.

The winners will be chosen by skatepark managers Henry Johnson and Tom Jones.

Bike label Deadend is offering prizes.

A barbecue will be held afterwards.

Joe Wright, from Wardcliffe Road, Weymouth, who secured a £11,000 public grant will also be there on the day. Joe safeguarded the future of the skatepark by securing a grant from the Youth Capital Fund (YCF).

This was added to a £6,000 public grant from the Actively Building Capacity (ABC), and paid for the whole of the Park’s £17,000 makeover.

Weymouth College provides management guidance for skatepark managers Henry Johnson and Tom Jones.

It helps them to develop the amenity, seek grants to improve facilities and manage the park.

The venue has also been linked with several vocational courses available at Weymouth College, offering students a venue to practice their chosen subject.

Recently, art students took stencil designs outdoors and produced a series of lively murals for the backboards of the ramps.

Plans are also in place for Weymouth College students to use the facilities to hone skills from other courses – leisure management, media, and carpentry are all being considered for on site training.