Skate event for Youth Week

A Youth Week Skateboarding and BMX competition was held at Umina on Saturday, March 27.

Gosford Council community development worker Ms Fiona Miller said the day was a great success with nearly 60 participants competing.

Prizes included two bikes, two skateboard decks, skate videos, bike tool kits and food vouchers donated by local businesses.

"Over 300 spectators came to watch the competition," she said.

Troy Tatham Trophy winner was 15-year-old Jason Van ders Maught, who "showed the most determination and greatest potential".

The trophy is a memorial to a young skateboarder who last year succumbed to mental illness and took his own life.

His father donated the trophy in recognition of Troy's passion and the joy he derived from skateboarding and music.

"Troy loved to skate," said Mr Tatham.

"He constantly strived to make those tricks come off.

"He loved music and he enjoyed hanging out with his friends," he said.

"Troy, through no cause, became challenged by mental health issues.

"Mental illness, just like cancer, doesn't discriminate.

"It can take the best of our young people."

The competition was held to the background of local DJ "Bobo's'" tunes, with Troy Stepans taking the role of MC on the day.

The lunchtime entertainment included the PCYC's breakdancers and dance troop.

The Rural Fire brigade, St John First Aid, the PCYC, Youth Assist (Youth Suicide and Awareness) and, Mother Nature attended to provide support, refreshments and encouragement to the participants.

Other winners were Anthony La Rosa in the under-16 skateboarding and BMX, and Dan Searls in the over-16 BMX .

The competition was organised jointly by Gosford Council, Mother Nature's Parent Support Group, their youth committee and Regional Youth Support Services.

Email, March 29