Skate Park Association hosts contest Saturday

The Cape Girardeau Skate Park Association will hold a skateboarding competition Sunday at Missouri Park. The organization will give prizes for best trick and in different age groups. Age groups are 11 years old and younger, 12 to 15 years old, and 16 and older.

Josh Dannenmueller, the association treasurer, said these competitions mainly serve as a place for younger or newer skaters to build confidence in their skills and to have fun.

It's "to influence them to become better skaters," Dannenmueller said.

Skateboarding is as much a sport as baseball, soccer or hockey, he said. And all sports demand a bit of competition.

The skate park association also hosts games of skate where skaters try to match each other's tricks. Each time a skater can't pull it off, he or she gets a letter. Instead of spelling "horse" like in basketball, they spell "skate."

For Sunday's competition, skaters must sign a waiver to compete. Those younger than 18 need a parent or guardian present to sign the waiver. Sign up ends at 2 p.m. Entry fee is $10. The Skate Park Association organizes events to raise money to improve and expand Cape Girardeau skateparks. The not-for-profit will host another competition Aug. 14 in Jackson.

-- From staff reports