EVEN high winds could not blow out the enthusiasm of those gathered at Okehampton Skatepark recently for the first annual OCRA skate and bike jam. Skate jam organiser Will Harrison from Skatewarehouse said: ?We had a great day with more than 80 skaters and 40 bikers.? The day attracted competitors from the local area as well as from Launceston, Crediton and Exeter. ?We were really encouraged to see the improvement in skill levels since the skatepark had been open,? he added. The afternoon was running smoothly until gusts of wind caused a tree branch to fall onto electricity lines near the skate park. This caused a power cut, which meant the sound system could no longer operate. Luckily, local skater Ritchie Rich was on hand to supply some beats from the back of his car, which he duly backed up onto the skate park. The jam featured both bike and skate competitions. The bike competition consisted of a time trial around the BMX track. The competition was split into four age groups. The results were as follows: Under-nine: 1, Luke Drew; 2, Jack Weeks. Under-11: 1, Simon Drew; 2, Robin X. Under-14: 1, James Bird; 2, Jamie Atherton. Over-14: 1, Richard; 2, Dan. The skate competition consisted of two disciplines, the first was based on the mini ramp, the second on the street course. The skaters battled it out for a range of prizes including new skate decks, t-shirts, wheels and other accessories. Results as follows: Mini ramp: Under-14: 1, Michael Barkwin; 2, Johnjo Fellows. Over-14: 1, Gurney; 2, Grey Lyle. Street ? Under 14: 1, Johnjo Fellows; 2, Tom Mgratten. Over 14: 1, Greg Lyle; 2, Byron Cloete. Inline Open Street: 1, Wayne Bird; 2, Wayne Atherton. These prizes were all donated by the day?s sponsors, Element, Seek, Fracture, Anarchy, New Deal, Girl, Alien Workshop and SkateWarehouse. The day was a huge success, particularly due to the support and organisation from OCRA, DevonPlay and the Youth Service. Okehampton Town Council also contributed through their regular maintenance of the site and covering the insurance needed to allow the event to go ahead. ?It was great to see so many people enjoying the skate and bike part,? said Stuart Lord from OCRA. ?This is an excellent facility for the young people of the area, and we?re hoping that more can be added to the site in the future.? Anyone wishing to help support the development of skating or BMX at the facility should contact Stuart Lord on 01837 54546.
