Canada Skateboard inspires Montreal youth ahead of major competition
Posted February 21, 2024 5:42 pm.
Last Updated February 21, 2024 11:41 pm.
Montreal youth hit the ramps at Le Taz Skatepark on Wednesday afternoon for Canada Skateboard’s Community Day ahead of a major competition.
Teens of all skateboarding abilities got to enhanced their skills with the guidance of trained coaches — connecting with peers who share the same passion.
“I love it because I’m free,” said Émile Robert, one of the many participants. “I can learn new tricks.”
Robert fell in love with the sport four years ago.
“My dad was skateboarding,” he explained. “And I just continue too, now I’m skateboarding.”
Canada Skateboard started reaching out, back in 2022, to communities they visit during events to offer coaching sessions.
“We’re encouraging them to be better skateboarders,” said Hagan McCreath, Canada Skateboard’s Executive Director. “But also inspiring them through some great coaching and some great mentors.”
The Community Day in Montreal — focused on youth –- especially those who frequently skate at Le Taz Skatepark as part of their schools’ Sport-études programs.
The skaters who took part got to hit the ramps with stellar athletes.
Even getting tips from Canada Skateboard coaches.
“I love it,” said Adam Higgins, High-performance director at Canada Skateboard. “It’s always such a fun part of the competition weekend bringing out local kids.”
“Engaging some local coaches, and having an awesome time,” he added. “So fun.”
Following Community Day, the SheCANSk8 program created a welcoming space for women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ skateboarders.
Coming together at the skatepark — receiving coaching tailored to their needs and goals.
The Bell National Street Skateboarding Championships are set to take place at Le Taz Skatepark on Thursday.
A competition where Canada’s top skateboarding athletes will be catching air before seeking Olympic gold in Paris this summer.
“Skateboarding is like a complete package,” said McCreath. “It teaches such great resilience.”
“It teaches self-confidence and dignity and respect and community,” he added. “It just creates really great human beings.”
“Try to skate,” said Robert. “Just do it.”
“It’s really fun.”
