The Central Coast’s largest skate board riding facility, Bato Yard, hosted the King of Concrete skate series for bowl riders on February 11.
The competition saw the best riders from across the region alongside the best in the state and country competing for a share of $5,000 in prize money, and for wildcards into the Bondi Bowl-A-Rama, the peak world bowl competition. Event organiser and former world champion, Renton Millar, said holding a King of Concrete round at Bato Yard gave top bowl skaters from the Coast a chance to showcase their skills. “Our team can’t wait to get up to Bato Yard,” Millar said. “I was a part of the original workshops and had a say in the design of Bato Yard, so it’s exciting to bring these competitions to the Coast and watch the community improve their skating skills. “Bato Yard has the potential to attract top riders from around the country to the Central Coast as well as other major skating events.
“You already have your own well-known riders, Matt Kitai and Bryce McKean, travel the country doing what they love, and now they can do it in their own backyard.” As well as the prizemoney, riders competed for the chance for three junior riders and the top two masters and open riders to compete in the popular Bondi competition on from February 18 to 19. Council administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the facility was delivering on its promise to attract world-class events and providing important opportunities for residents and visitors alike. “Since its opening, the riding facility has seen thousands upon thousands of people come through and test their abilities on some of the rare features the Yard has to offer,”
Mr Reynolds said. “Bato Yard was built for local riders and to attract major competitions to our great region, just like this one. “Last month, we had a YMCA skate event that was so popular, they are looking at holding it over two days next year. “It’s certainly becoming well known as one of the premier riding facilities in the region, if not the state.” Street riders will also have a chance to show off their skills when the team brings the King of Street competition to Bato Yard on April 22, with winners getting a chance to win a share in $5,000 and a pathway entry to an event in the USA.
Media release, Feb 2, 2017 Central Coast Council Media
this article was first published in print in the Wyong Regional Chronicle