Fife’s top young skateboarders, roller-bladers, BMX and Scooter experts were rolling along to Burntisland on Wednesday 8^th August 2012 as the annual Skatefest Competition got underway.

The competition which took place at the local Skate park, outside the Beacon Leisure Centre was organised by Fife Council’s Community Learning and Development Service (CLD) along with local youngsters.  Over the last year a group of young people have been working alongside CLD to help bring this event together with some of them helping out on the day and judging the competition, and their hard work has paid off with over 500 people from all around Fife coming along to take part. 

The competition Categories included: Scooters, Roller blades, BMX and Skateboards. Age Categories were  8-10yrs, 11-13yrs, 14&15yrs and 16+.

There was also Graffiti Art Workshops, face painting and glitter tattoos’s, bringing a bit of fun for everyone. 

The event was opened by Provost of Fife, Jim Leishman who said “It was a pleasure to see so many youngsters taking part in the competition.   The Skate Park is a significant part of Burntisland and to see so many people from across Fife and beyond is a result of strengthened partnership working between Fife Council, local organisations and volunteers.”

The event was supported by a team of young volunteers who helped with the logistics including live commentary on the contestants, litter picking, registration and face painting.  The volunteers are working towards their Saltire volunteering awards and Nationally recognised youth achievement awards.

14 Year old Robbie told organisers that he loved the event! He was initially worried about performing in front of so many people and had thought he wouldn’t be able to ride on his own – however when he heard the crowd get behind him and everyone cheering and clapping he said it really improved his confidence and he would tell others to give it a go!

A number of parents came along to the event too.  Local parent Lee Mahady said:  “When the skate park was first suggested I was really against it and objected.  I thought it was a waste of money and didn’t think anyone would use it!  I couldn’t have been more wrong – I’m along here every day with my kids.  The event today was great, I can’t believe how many people came along.  All the children and parents had a great time and I’ve sent an email to the staff to say what a great job they did!”

A number of young people have already signed up to help organise next years event.  If you live in Kirkcaldy, Kinghorn, Burntisland or Auchtertool and want to help organise next years event get in touch with: Julie Dickson, CLD Team Leader 01592 583 475.   Photos from the event will be on available to view over the next couple of weeks via our Digital Fife site@ www.cldkdy-sk8.org.uk