Dozens of skateboarders and BMX riders will defy gravity with daring stunts at the Olds Skateboard Park for the third annual Hay City Slam.The competition is hosted by 360 Snow and Skate in collaboration with the Town of Olds, Olds Iron Works and Tracks Pub from July 26 to 27.“We have tons of prizes and giveaways for kids, good music, lots of people. It's entertaining to watch. Some of these guys are really good as they do come from all over the place and have been doing it for (a) very long time,” said Shea Strocher, an organizer for the event.“Just a lot of fun. Usually the weather is pretty good too.”The Hay City Slam started as an idea between Strocher and his mother Karen, who wanted to put on a skateboarding event for kids in Olds.“So it just kind of started. Pretty humble roots but now it's growing into something provincial-wide,” Strocher said.The skate and BMX competition is split into three age categories: 12 and under; 13 to 18 year olds and 18-plus.The 35 participants each day will have sole possession of the park for two rounds, each lasting one minute.They will be freestyling, performing tricks while being judged on their landings and the difficulty of their routine.Contestants come from all over the province and a third will be from Olds, Strocher said.Last year, proceeds from registration fees went to the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program, he said.Jumpstart is a charity dedicated to removing financial barriers so children across Canada have the opportunity to play sports.Strocher said a cause has not been decided for this year's competition yet.“Me and organizers were talking about what charity to do this year but we haven't quite decided,” he said. “Maybe at our next meeting because each year we try to do, like, a different charity. So we're open to suggestions.”Strocher said he's leaning towards a charity that benefits underprivileged youth and encourages them to get active.Registration starts at 10 a.m. on July 26 and costs $20.For more information, call 403-556-3601 or visit [email protected]
