Several competitors compete for first of three summer skateboard competitions

Several competitors compete for first of three summer skateboard competitions

June 19, 2001

BY KEVIN DENKE
Journal Intern

Kokopelli Bike and Board held the first of three summer skateboard competitions on Sunday, June 17, at the skate park in Parque de Vida.

A total of 35 skateboarders of all ages and all levels of expertise (beginning, intermediate and expert divisions) participated in the competition. Judges were looking at use of park jumps and ramps, technical skills, orginality, and best trick of the day.

In the Beginner Class, Devin Lenahan of Cortez captured first place and Jerald Wilson of Red Mesa, Ariz., took second. In the Intermediate Class, Evan Hoskins of Cortez came in first, Jakob Wood of Cortez took second, and Dale Nelson of Red Mesa came in third. In the Expert Class, Bill Sparks of Cortez was the winner. Carlos Henry of Dolores came in second and Darren Madison of Cortez took third.

Kokopelli donated some $500 worth of prizes for the top finishers in each competition and also held various prize giveaways throughout the day.

Several special events were held and the participants were rewarded. Henry did the Best Trick of the Day while Lenahan did the Best Trick-Kids.

Approximately 100 people watched the event.

Youth for Change was on hand selling hot-dogs, sno-cones and soda in an effort to raise money for group building activities. The group received donations from Safeway and Wal-Mart to help make their part of the day a success.

According to 13-year-old Kyle Pape, a member of Youth for Change, the group has two missions. The first is to provide positive activities for youth in Montezuma and Dolores counties. Their second goal is to help ensure that youth are valued, recognized, and heard.

"Our motto is: ‘One day it will be our way,’" Pape said.

This is the second year of summer skateboard competitions in Cortez. Kokopelli enlisted a long list of sponsors for the competition including: Matix, DVS Shoe Company, Tensor, Darkstar, Blind, Enjoi, Globe Shoes, Syndrome, DECA, World Industries, Osiris, and Accel Wheels. The second show is set for July 15 and the third on Aug. 5.

For more information about the coming shows, phone Kokopelli Bike and Board at 565-4408.