Scooters compete in Ontario Open

Ontario Open athletes, organizers and judges in Waterford.

Brenda Moser

Advocate Correspondent

Waterford business owner Kerry Bockenholt saw that local youth didn’t have much to do and wanted to make some positive changes to correct that situation.

She wanted to make a difference in the community and after much thought she came up with the idea to build an outdoor, concrete skatepark. In 2018 the Waterford Skate Park committee was officially formed and the journey began.

In collaboration with Drop In Skateparks, Canada’s most centrally located skatepark design-build firm, the design of an 8,737 square foot skatepark, featuring a 1,500 square foot bowl, banks, ledges, stair set and several rails took shape. It features a multi-terrain design for all skill levels and abilities - beginners, intermediate and advanced riders and skaters. It is one of the few outdoor parks in Ontario to offer a roll-in, box jump as well as quarter pipes and vert wall.

Recently the park attracted the attention of 32 of the best scooter riders from across Canada for the RSC Scootering Ontario Open. Competitors came from the GTHA, Windsor, Ottawa, Quebec, Alberta, and Waterford, to show off their skills and wow the crowds while in pursuit of top awards.

Nick Dixon, host and emcee for the afternoon, said, “Everyone who came loved the park… they think it’s the best outdoor park in Canada. It was a good crowd at the comp and they enjoyed the sun, surrounding community and watching the competitors take turns performing incredible 45 second runs.”

Watching the different divisions, it was clear the talent and skill levels were amazing in all age groups. Judges had a tough job as all entrants put their best performances on the line and gave it all they had.

The Roller Sports Canada (RSC) team is hoping to make this an annual event on the Canadian circuit. As a spectator, it was a jaw-dropping, awesome event that would be great to host again. Congratulations to all winners and participants. We’re looking forward to an encore presentation!

Winners included: 

Pro Male: Nicholas Nelson, Toronto, beating out Quebec’s Jay Page and Windsor’s Adrian Bruni.

Pro Women: Leah Pellerin, Ottawa

Street:  1st Jack Dixon, 11, Burlington; 2nd Ludo Gosselin, Quebec; 3rd Jay Page

Junior Two (14-17): 1st Ludo Gosselin; 2nd Kiran Attanasov

Junior One (10-13) 1st Andre Warren, Madoc

Youth: Theo Page