Skateboarders from all over southeastern Manitoba made their way to Niverville this past weekend.

Their hopes to were to take home some prizes from a competition put on by Skate Director at Youth For Christ Johnny Long.

Youth For Christ Skate Director Johnny Long with his son Skyler at his skate shop in Niverville“The skaters loved it,” says Long who moved to the community from Vancouver, after meeting and marrying his wife of St Pierre, seven years ago. “There haven’t been many competitions or events this year with COVID.”

Long says that ‘Small Town Throw Down’ was the third annual competition that he has put on, but that “this year it went crazy” due to the lack of other competitions.

“I think we had about 30 skateboarders in it. Beginner, intermediate and advanced, and this year we had a girls category, which is amazing.”

Long admits that skateboarding is difficult to judge since the abilities and tricks vary so much, but that most of the participants were there just to have a good time. “Even though they’re competing for cash and prizes,” says Long of the combatants, “they’re all cheering each other on.”

According to Long, the competition is about much more than just skateboarding. “We’re in the market of investing in people’s lives and showing them love. Encouraging each other in times like this and just always to love each other and just have fun. Skateboarding is about having fun and there’s no other way to do it.”

The competition drew people from all over, including Winnipegger Wendy Delorme who came with her family to watch her son compete. “I don’t usually watch because he doesn’t wear a helmet,” she admits, “but it’s an awesome event and this is a really good turnout.”

Delorme also says the event gave the town some excellent exposure. “We had no idea what was out here until we came, and this is an awesome little place.”

Despite concerns of COVID-19, Long says staff at the event did things smart and safe while encouraging good hygiene.

“I think we did a pretty good job,” he offers, “but I guess we’ll find out in two weeks.”