By Times Chronicle Staff
“A free skateboard? No way!”
That’s what some Oliver youth said at a recent event where Nations Skate Youth handed out 50 skateboards at Small Wheels Park.
Organizer Trenton Gabriel from the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) pulled out all the stops and made it happen last month in Lion’s Park.
Nations Skate Youth is a group that empowers Indigenous youth to embrace their right to self- determination through the positive impact of skateboarding.
Marvin Louie, OIB youth coordinator, gave kudos to Gabriel for doing a great job.
“I know Trenton was feeling a little stressed out about the build-up for the event, but even though a few bumps’ occurred Trenton came through with flying colours.”
Louie said the event was two years in the making; it was supposed to have occurred in the spring of 2020, but COVID-19 put a stop to it.
“It was great to see the event finally happen, and again a special thanks to Nations Skate organizers for providing over 50 skateboards to the kids . . . you could see the joy in their faces as they received them.”
Louie also thanked RCMP Cst. Brad Walsh for showing up and providing some safety equipment for the skateboarders.
