Skateboarders flew through the air at the Highland Outdoor Ministry’s Shred Fest on Saturday, July 26.
For the beginner, intermediate and expert skateboarders in the competition, this day represented the result of “months” of preparation, Austin Leach, the ministry’s director, said.
“They have put a ton into this, and it’s a big day not just for us here, but for all the kids,” he said.
This year, about 40 skateboarders participated in the event, Leach said. That’s a record number in the event’s three-year history.
Highland Park Ministries reaches out to local kids using skating, gave its students a chance to shine.
The event welcomed skaters of all ages, from young children new to the sport to adults who had been skating a long time.
“Today is a celebration of the sport of skating, but also of pointing all things toward Christ,” Leach said.
Some event participants drove a long distance to the Blue Ridge event.
“I’ve enjoyed everyone being out here, everyone just supporting everyone,” said Genivah Marrero, an audience member visiting from Duluth, Georgia.
She attended the event to support her husband Marcus and son Javier as they took part in the event.
No matter their age or level of experience, the skaters showed perseverance. When they fell, they got back up and went to perform another trick.
It’s exciting to see beginner skateboarders succeed for the first time, intermediates advance and experienced skaters excel, Leach said.
“There’s not a single boring run,” he said.
In the background, the crowd cheered as the skaters showed their skill.
The skate park, Syd’s Place, is dedicated to Sydnie Jones, a 19-year-old who tragically died in a car crash in January 2021.
Jones had a passion for skating and for her Christian faith, and today the park carries on her legacy.
“We’ve had over a thousand skaters come through in the last two years,” Leach said. “It was such a needed ministry for the community.”