Sounds of skateboards careening off of concrete, rails and ramps took center stage at the “Throw down in P-Town” on June 28 at the Puyallup Skate Park.
Skateboarders of all ages participated in a wide variety of contests in the beginner, intermediate and advanced divisions.
Seth Ivers, who was in charge of putting together the event, explained the uniqueness of the “Throw Down in P-Town.”
“It’s good to see these kids expressing themselves,” Ivers said. “These kids deserve recognition for what they do in their sport. It’s a family event, too. It’s not a deal where the parents are dropping their children off and leaving. The parents are here supporting their kids and watching them perform.”
Ivers believes skateboarding gives the youth of Puyallup a chance to let loose and have some fun.
“It gives these kids a chance to live their childhood and that’s really important especially in this day and age,” he said. “Children are our future. One day they’re going to be taking care of you and me.”
Puyallup Parks and Recreation Coordinator Erin Snodgrass was thrilled with the turnout despite seeing temperatures hover around 90 degrees during the competition.
“This event is all about these kids showing off their skills in front of their friends and family,” Snodgrass said. “This is all a lot of these kids have been talking about. I know they’re really excited.”
Auburn resident Daniel Lumley made the trip south, watching his 5-year-old son Yogivalentino show off his skills on the ramp. Lumley made sure his son came prepared. Yogivalentino was covered from head to toe in protective gear.
“I’m all about safety. That’s why he’s covered in the gear you see him in. He’s fully armored so that he can do as many tricks as he wants to do with confidence,” Lumley said.
Yogivalentino couldn’t keep the smile off of his face.
“The best part is going down the ramp as fast as I can,” he said.
Lumley said he was impressed with Puyallup’s state of the art skate park facility.
“I think the city of Puyallup has put in a lot of time and effort to create a safe, clean, friendly park. It’s a great place.”
Puyallup resident Jon Norwood didn’t miss out on the chance to perfect his skills during the open skate portion.
“I’ve been skating here for almost four years,” Norwood said. “Skateboarding is becoming a bigger sport in this state. We (skaters) got 300 parks in Washington right now. There’s a lot of kids here getting better and better right now.”
Leo Avis was in attendance, watching his 15-year-old son Leo Avis III compete in his favorite sport.
“I support my son in everything he does,” Avis said. “I’m out here because it gives my son and I a chance to do something together on the weekend. Also, it’s fun to watch skateboarding. It’s sometimes is funny when they bite the dust as long as they don’t get hurt.”
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