A mountain boarder performs at LibJam at Guernsey Live. Extreme sports enthusiasts did their thing during breaks in the musical performances. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0574226)
IT’S high time the LibJam ramps found a permanent home, according to the man who organised the extreme sports festival.
A second successful LibJam – this year’s formed part of Guernsey Live – shows just how much Guernsey needs a skatepark, said John Bisson.
‘What people don’t realise is that local businesses funded, and the riders helped build, a £60,000 high-quality skatepark that’s just sitting in storage, perfectly ready to be used, but the States won’t give us anywhere to put it,’ he said. ‘Look at the reaction to the event, take note of the crowd and please let’s get this thing set up and in use.’
There is no lack of local talent, either. BMX maestro Stuart Sunderland, 14, impressed professional riders as he won the local riders’ event. ‘It felt so good, man – winning has boosted my confidence and now I know I can compete,’ he said.
‘Riding with the pros showed me how good you can be and although I have a long way to go, I have enjoyed imitating them.’
Between every main-band stage performance the BMX jumpers and mountain boarders had half-an-hour in which to showcase their skills.
Saturday’s competition winner was chosen by his peers, one of whom was Ollie Morrison, ex junior world champion mountain boarder, who said he had been blown away by the youngster.
‘Those tricks he is pulling off require a lot of guts and the crowd love him,’ he said.
‘We are all getting on very well and it’s so much fun. I’m very impressed by the local riders.’
Mr Bisson said he thought the extreme sports event had been a huge success.
‘I have thoroughly enjoyed it. The locals have learned so much and the pros are impressed with them so it’s been great,’ he said.
Mr Bisson, who used to train professional extreme athletes, thought Stuart had a good chance of taking his riding to new levels.
‘He’s amazing, he has a really big future ahead of him,’ he said.
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One Article Comment
Shame this wasn’t bundled into the Bright Young Things proposal.
Dance facilities, music & DJing and an indoor skatepark would have all complimented each other perfectly and strengthened the business case considerably having it all under one roof.
A redundant warehouse down Pitronnerie road would be an ideal secure venue and adaptable for little cost.
Users could pay a monthly subscription to be able to use the facilities or get a day ticket etc - like an alternative Beau Sejour.
How about it Culture and Leisure?? I bet the winter months would see a heavy demand for this type of facility.