Youngsters stage 'skateathon' for new skatepark

Energetic young people of Tavistock tested their fitness and skills on wheels by staging a day-long community skateboarding fundraising event.

The 12-hour skateathon earlier in the summer raised money towards a new multi-use wheeled sports area (MUWSA) to replace the existing version in the Meadows Park in Tavistock.

The public event run by TaviSkate and Tavistock Youth Café raised £2,596, including £1,000 donated online to the Crowdfunder within the first hour.

The skateathon was held alongside the Lions’ Fun Day in the Meadows during Carnival Week, adding adrenaline to the family event.

Vicki Lloyd-Walsh, youth café manager, said: “The challenge was simple, there needed to be at least one person skating, scootering or riding the skate park continuously from 8am until 8pm. What followed was an incredible day of wheeled sports, live music, competitions and community spirit.

“Young people, adults and skatepark users came together throughout the day to take part and show their support for the campaign. Many had signed up to be sponsored, while supporters also donated through the TaviSkate Crowdfunder.”

There was plenty happening throughout the day (July 12), including live music from local band Horce Divorse, a TaviSkate raffle and two hours of exciting competitions hosted by Canvas Spaces, the skatepark company which could build the hoped-for new facility.

The existing metal park is noisy and showing signs of wear and tear, so TaviSkate, a volunteer-led community interest company, is working alongside Tavistock Town Council to raise the funds to build a new concrete park.

It will be a vibrant community space where people of all ages and abilities can come together to skate, ride, socialise and stay active.

Vicki added: “With fantastic weather throughout the day, the skatepark was buzzing with activity and there was a brilliant atmosphere as people came along to watch, take part and support the fundraising effort.

“The determination of the participants was particularly impressive, with two dedicated skaters staying on the skatepark right through until the final 8pm deadline to make sure the challenge was completed.”

She thanked everyone who took part, donated, volunteered and came along to support the event, saying: “The skateathon was about much more than fundraising. It was a chance for the community to come together, celebrate the skatepark and show just how much enthusiasm there is for having a modern, inclusive wheeled sports facility in Tavistock.”

TaviSkate needs to raise £300,000 to cover the full design and construction of the skatepark as a high-quality, safe and long-lasting community facility. The campaigners have started off with a target to raise £50,000 through the Crowdfunder and JustGiving with support from residents and businesses.

Reaching this target is ‘crucial’ because it could unlock additional grant funding from national organisations, by demonstrating community demand and project commitment, said Vicki.

TaviSkate’s fundraising campaign is continuing, with the next event being a Band Night at The Printworks on Friday, October 16. Ticket details will be available at this link: https://www.tavistockyouthcafe.com/

Donations to the TaviSkate campaign are welcome at this link: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/taviskate