Rukkus Report 2008 - Byron Shire Council

Rukkus 2008.........
Following the postponement of an earlier attempt to hold the event during an extremely wet April, June 21st saw perfect weather with beautiful blue sunny skies for
the Rukkus 2008. This year is the fourth annual Rukkus event and it has changed
and evolved to focus on skateboarding and to the showcasing of the talent of local
young people. The fun began with a dance performance from the North Coast Hip
Hop School students from across Byron Shire. While they warmed the skate park up
for the crowd, 48 skaters registered for Rukkus 2008 skate competition held at Mullumbimby Skate Park. Rukkus is organised by the Byron Youth Activity Centre with
the support of skate companies, the local Council and local businesses.
Rukkus is the premier skate event
for the Byron Shire and attracts hundreds of spectators throughout the
day. Many drop in for an hour and
many stay for the day. Skate boarding has a huge following in the Shire
and with the thousands of tourists
alike. Byron Shire is the ideal location for this sport to develop and for
competitions to grow.
Right and Below: spectators gather and
grab the best positions to watch the comp.
The first division to get underway was the Girls division
with a few very brave young
women skaters, Jackie Michin
aged 17 who came first for
her division, and Ella Heskett, 10. Byron Girls Group
member Daisy Sowter said
“we need some girls only
skate workshops in the lead
up to the comp to encourage
more girls to enter. Good on
the girls who had a go!”
Right: Jackie Michin receiving her
prize pack.
The Groms - Winners of the Under 12 Division
were; first place Jayden Wills, Joey Cormack second place and Dylan Kay in third place.
Left: The Lads accept their prizes.
Below : Dylan Kay in action. (Photo By Sarah May Cahill)
Winners of the Under 16 Division were;
first place - Jacob Robinson,
second place - Daniel Conners and Shem in third place.
Jacob (middle) came third in
last year’s under 12 comp and
is definetely one to watch.
Below: Jacob Robinson in flight.
(Photo Sarah May Cahill)
Winners of the Open Division were;
first place Jack Malaif (right), in second place Luke Anlezark (left) and
Luke Townsend in third place.
Above Left and Right Luke Anlezark.
Below Left and Centre : Jack Malaif and Right is Luke Townsend.
(Potograohy Sarah May Cahill)
Rukkus is a true community event, funded by Byron Shire
Council and National Youth Week, organised by the Byron
YAC, supported by Mullumbimby Youth Recreational Facility, Bat Bus, NSW Sport and Recreation, Byron Youth Service and local businesses. The generous sponsorship from
Folklore Skate, Urban grind skate, kewday, Truckstop sk8
Ballina, S-cape Byron, Element, Aphrodite Skateboards,
Skull Candy, Electric eyewear, DVS shoe Company, Volcom, Volley skate shoes, Dr Moose, Byron cinemas, Byron
styles provided fantastic prizes and giveaways throughout the day.
“Successful events like Rukkus legitimise skating as a
sport and hopefully with the development of a Skateboard
Association more events like this can happen to promote
skating regionally and create more opportunities for our
young people to gain recognition for local talent. Rukkus
has matured into a well respected skate competition and
I can’t thank the judging team and sponsors enough for
their contributions to Rukkus over the years” said Belle
Arnold, YAC Coordinator.
Baywood Chase, Suffolk Park, skate facility will have the first ever skate competition in
September and anyone interested getting involved can contact Belle Arnold on 6685
5775 or byronyac@bigpond.net.au.If you would like to see more photos from Rukkus
2008 please email Belle Arnold. If you use any of the skating photos please acknowledge young photographer Sarah May Cahill.