Skate park hosting Neil Roy memorial

As a tribute to a local teen killed in a car accident last month, the local skate park committee has organized the 2007 Neil Roy Memorial Skateboarding Tournament here this Saturday (Sept. 22).
Skate park committee chair Rob Tovey said the event, which he hopes will become an annual draw, is meant for district skateboarders to show off their skills, as well as show off the skate park.
He stressed it is not a fundraiser, but a tribute to Roy and chance for skateboarders to have fun.
“We’ve got trophies for the kids. We’ve got skateboards to give out,” said Tovey. “Hopefully, we get some of the best skateboarders in the area.”
All contestants should be at the skate park at 11 a.m. to register, with the event starting at 1 p.m. Tovey noted the skateboarders can use the time to have a free barbecue lunch and practice.
The entry fee is $5, which helps cover the cost of the event.
(Participants also can register ahead of time at the Memorial Sports Centre or Skates & Blades).
Contestants will be split into two categories based on age—under 13 and over 13.
Tovey explained the competition will involve seeing flights of 10 skateboarders take to the ramps, rails, and other features of the local park for a 10-minute period.
A panel of judges, which so far includes Chris McKinnon of Skates & Blades and Neil Roy’s mother and skate park committee member, Patsy Roy, will watch for skateboarders showing the most skill and creativity.
“It’s a good spectator sport when you get that many kids on there,” noted Tovey.
Judges will pick out two or three finalists from each flight—ultimately seeing a final round for each category.
“It shouldn’t be very long. It will take two to three hours, realistically,” said Tovey. “We want to keep it moving.”
Tovey added there will be a barbecue lunch served up for participants and anyone else who comes out to watch. “We want people to come out and enjoy the day,” he stressed.
Anyone with further questions can call Tovey at 274-6113 (home) or 274-7751 (work).