HAVING a permanent skatepark in the island will help give youngsters something active and constructive to do, according to the Guernsey Sports Commission.

The body is supporting the Get On Board campaign, which aims to raise £200,000 to build the park at Beau Sejour, which has been approved by planners.

Sports development officer Jenny Rees (pictured) said the commission knew how hard it was to raise funds and asked islanders to pledge their support.

‘We support anything that gets kids active,’ she said.

‘We are very pleased that the plans are approved and hope that enough money can be raised.

‘Although we can’t financially help them, we will do our best to support any fund-raising events and will help publicise it when it is up and running.’

Skaters and BMX riders have been campaigning for a permanent facility for 30 years and this is the closest they have come to making their dreams come true.

Miss Rees was surprised it had taken so long for their wishes to be acted upon.

‘I do find it strange that it has taken them so long, but I am really impressed with those who have kept going and haven’t given up.

‘Team sports aren’t for everyone and it’s good to have something a bit different for those who aren’t afraid to try.

‘This will be giving the youth a positive and constructive thing to do in their spare time.’

She added that the park would encourage more people to take up extreme sports and hoped it would attract high-profile competitions to the island.

* Guernsey Press is media partner for the fund-raising campaign.

Anyone holding a fund-raising event for the skatepark is asked to contact Anna Brehaut on 240233 with the details.