For the second year running, the Goulburn Skate Park will soon play host to the Australian Skateboarding League ACT and NSW State Qualifiers.
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Run in partnership by the Goulburn Mulwaree Council, YMCA Australia, and Skate Australia over December 14 and 15, this year's event will have a much more community-oriented feel to it.
In 2018, the event took place over two days and welcomed both local and professional skaters, scooterers, and BMX riders to show off their skills.
This time around, the first of the two days will be entirely community-focused.
"On day one this year we've got free lessons happening," YMCA National Events and Program Manager, Nick Buskens, said.
"We really want to involve the whole community, we've got a couple of pros coming up to do free sessions for the schools on Saturday.
"We want anyone from Goulburn to come along, it's free activities for anyone from learn to ride. It'll be a great opportunity to have a go at a skatepark, for kids who don't necessarily skate but want a new activity."
On day two, the competition itself will take place.
Buskens expects interest in this year's qualifiers to be high, because there is more on the line than just the opportunity to compete in the nationals.
"This time we have world ranking points [on the line]," Buskens said.
"They go towards qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics ... We're estimating people will come down from all over the state."
Competitions such as the one scheduled to take place in Goulburn are imperative for raising the profile of skateboarding in regional areas, and Skate Australia president, Karen Doyle, said the pathways they provide are crucial.
""The series presents as a great opportunity for young skateboard enthusiast to showcase their skills and progress through a structured national pathway," Doyle said.
"Skateboarding is finally getting the opportunity it deserves, as a highly skilled and popular sport. The young people who come through are talented, motivated and going places."
There will be several divisions open to the skaters who want to compete on the Sunday. The men will have Under 12s, Under 16s, and Open divisions, while women can compete in Under 14s and Open, and the competition will take place from 11am to 4pm.
Registration can be completed at ausskateleague.com.au
The top five placegetters from each division qualify for the national championships, which will take place in Melbourne from March 6 to March 8, 2020.
The community clinics on Saturday will be split into four sessions: 11am to 11.50am, 12.30pm to 1.10pm, 1.30pm to 2.20pm, and 3pm to 3.50pm.
To register, skaters need to show up 20 minutes before the start of their desired session. Skateboards and protective gear will be provided.
Both events will take place at the Goulburn Skate Park, located at 85 Deccan Street.
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