2 minute read
Unofficial Army Skateboarding Association
Scribe: Cpl T Moran (8 Trg Bn REME)
Advertisement
On 22 October 2022, the Unofficial Army Skateboarding Association held its first competition. This saw serving and retired members of the Army, Navy and RAF compete in a ‘first of its kind’ skateboarding competition. The aim of this event was to develop all military personnel who skateboard; whilst also being the first opportunity to allow all current members of the association to meet. The event was open to all past and present members of our Armed Forces; enabling participation from personnel across Defence who love to skateboard.
Skateboarding is now a widely accepted mainstream sport and has an official governing body (SkateboardGB). There are also formal qualifications that members can gain to allow them to teach and coach those who either wish to learn to skateboard or have the skills already and wish to progress further. Recognition for the sport and its rapid development is thanks to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics; where Skateboarding was recognised as an official Olympic sport.
To kick things off at this event, the Association held its Annual General Meeting to discuss the
future of the sport within the military, as well as developing our future strategy; with coaching being the primary focus. Competitions were then ran which allowed members to win an abundance of excellent prizes kindly donated by a plethora of companies. The competitions consisted of a ‘Bowl Jam’ based on the original form of skateboarding e.g. surfing. A game of ‘S.K.A.T.E’, where participants do a trick and if they are unable to land that trick then they take a letter. Once they fail enough times, gaining all five letters of the word ‘skate’ they are out of the game. Additionally, a competition called the highest Ollie was held; whereby participants jump as high as they can with the Skateboard. At our future events we will hold similar competitions; which will see the inclusion of a ‘street style jam’.
The aims of the committee are to get skateboarding formally recognised as an Army Sport; as Skateboarding demonstrates skills integral to military life, such as physical robustness, mental aptitude, and perseverance. All factors that make a great skateboarder and soldier alike. The current Chairman, Captain James Sheffield, Officer Commanding 9RLC LAD represented the Corps at this event, alongside Cpl Thomas Moran, 8 Trg Bn REME and SSgt Adam Hogg, 1AAC LAD. We had some success with Cpl Moran taking second in the Bowl Jam as well as coming joint first for the highest Ollie.
The Association would like to thank Flo Skatepark, a registered Charity, who were instrumental in supporting this event and making it a success. Their facilities are incredible, and the staff supported all participants by providing equipment and judging elements of the competition when required.
The Association looks forward to hold training camps throughout the year with a jam/competition being held later in 2023. If you’re interested in getting involved with the development of a modern Army Sport, please look at the link
