Game of SK8 turns seven: Big Bear youth shred Sugarloaf Skatepark in annual competition

The seventh annual Game of SK8 rolled into Sugarloaf Skatepark on August 8, bringing together young skaters and scooter riders from across Big Bear Valley for a day of competition, free tacos, and community. The event was presented by Breakthrough Task Force in partnership with the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Parks District — and, for the organizers behind it, the stakes are bigger than trophies.^[1]

Breakthrough Task Force is a local coalition based in Big Bear Lake under Rim Family Services' Environmental Prevention Program, with a mission of reducing underage access to and use of drugs and alcohol.^[1] Game of SK8 is one of its signature community tools.

"We are excited to once again bring Game of SK8 to Big Bear Valley youth," said Prevention Program Director Jesse Rogers. "This event has proved to be popular with kids of all ages and offers a positive, athletic outlet free from drugs and alcohol."^[1]

How the competition worked

Youth from elementary school through age 17 competed across five categories: elementary, beginner, intermediate, advanced, and scooter. Contestants self-selected their division — though the beginner category went unfilled this year, with no one signing up.^[1]

Each skater received a 45-second run and five attempts at seven trick types: flip, grind, slide, grab, air, ramp, and footplant. Combined scores across those attempts determined first, second, and third placements in each category.^[1]

Judging the action were Bryan Sharp, substance abuse navigator at Bear Valley Community Healthcare District; Brett Hamilton, owner of Attic Skate Shop; and David Horner, M.D.^[1] Sharp, who also serves on the prevention side of the event's mission, put it simply: "It's a great opportunity for the kiddos to come together and to educate people about prevention."^[1]

Hamilton pulled double duty as emcee, keeping the crowd entertained. According to The Grizzly, when intermediate skater Gavin Jackson, 11, launched especially high, Hamilton quipped: "Sir, we need to see your pilot's license for all that air you caught."

Parent Alisha Taylor of Big Bear City was in the crowd watching her son Derek, 12, compete in the intermediate division. "I'm glad they're bringing it back every year," she said, according to the source article.

Results

Best Trick: Trey Lanza, 16^[1]

Scooter: 1st Donovan Pfeiffer (19), 2nd Jace Bruce (11), 3rd Neo Jaquet-Takeshi (11)

Elementary: 1st Ocean Laird (7), 2nd Seraphine Laird (5), 3rd Remington Prieto (9)

Intermediate: 1st Madix Rivera (11), 2nd Derek Taylor (12), 3rd Elijah Johnson (12)

Advanced: 1st Trey Lanza (16), 2nd Trent Stradley (26)^[1]

Lanza, last year's advanced winner as well, also mentioned that the Skateboard Association — which sponsors him — is making progress on a new facility called Action Sports & High-Altitude Training.^[1] Details on that project's timeline or location were not available from the source material.

Beyond the skating, Mountain Water Company supplied water for competitors and spectators, and Tacos Tao offered free tacos to the first 150 attendees. A live DJ, Otter Pops, and popcorn rounded out the afternoon, according to The Grizzly.

Residents who want to learn more about Breakthrough Task Force's prevention programs — or connect with substance abuse treatment and counseling resources — can find information at rimfamilyservices.org.^[1]