Stettler's Skatepark was a feast for scooter enthusiasts as scooters zipped through the air with participants performing tricks and ready to show their skills to the judges Dave and Tammy Grant, owners of Vermin Scooters, and the audience that had gathered on Sunday morning, Aug. 7.
In the eight-and-under category, Stettler's Taite Shrum placed first, while Jared Fraser took first in the 13-and-up-advanced category.
In second place were Stettler's Mason Proven in the eight-and-under category and Levi Owchar in the 13-and-up category.
There were four divisions – eight and under, nine-12, 13 and up, 13 and up advanced.
With participants from Alberta communities Canmore, Okotoks, Beaumont, Leduc, British Columbia's Golden, and Manitoba, among other communities, the competition witnessed a wide variety of skills from various age groups.
"This competition in Stettler was by far one of the best we have ever been a part of," said Heidi Fraser, vice-president of the Stettler Skatepark Association and mother of Jared Fraser, one of the foremost freestyle scooterists. "The good sportsmanship, respect for fellow competitors and excitement over every trick whether it was landed or attempted."
Fraser was there at the event to represent the Stettler Skatepark Association and to help organize the competition.
"It was such a positive atmosphere for the scootering community," added Fraser. "Vermin scooters is all about family, positively supporting scooter culture, good morals and values and being good role models."
Sponsored and hosted by Vermin Scooters, the event was a huge success.
"It was amazing to see how great of a turn out it was," Fraser continued. "With the weather looking like it was going dump rain all day, we never got a drop and had families there from as far as Golden BC, Winkler, Man., Lethbridge and Beaumont. We're thrilled with how the park is being used and the amount of kids and families that use it on a regular basis is amazing."
According to Fraser, competitions such as these are important to help the scooter community grow in a positive way.
"Encouraging kids to develop new skills and help them grow is all a part of the deal," said Fraser. "I'd like to thank the Town of Stettler for supporting this event, all the parents who brought their kids out to participate and cheer everyone, and especially Vermin Scooter Shop in Calgary for their unmatched support for this event and the scootering community."