Skaters showcase skills at Sandwell park

The summer Skate Jam took place at Lightwoods Park in Bearwood on Saturday afternoon.

Dozens of enthusiasts arrived at the park with scooters, BMXs and skateboards to take part in the competition hosted by Birmingham pro skater Bob Sanderson.

Speaking to the Express & Star, Bob said: "This gives children a sense of pride and ownership of their skills and the local area.

"I have been skateboarding for 32 years now and this skate park will be 26 years old this year.

"Skateboarding will be going to the 2020 Olympics and we want to raise the profile of it as much as we can.

"It helps change lives and I've made so many friends through this.

"It influences this generation of kids and gets them out the house and lets them flourish. Many go on to do well on a world class level too."

The event included three disciplines for Scooters, BMX and Skateboards with three age ranges - 12 and under, 13 to 16 and 16 and above.

Prizes were available for the top three spaces provided by The Skate Hut as well as an opportunity to win a bespoke BMX in The Big Sleuth raffle - where all proceeds went to Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

Julia Morris, from Sandwell Council who was behind the event, said:

"It's a great way to engage with young people. They are out being active in the sun and its a nice event for all the family to come and watch.

"We want to make sure that our facilities like this continue to improve for future generations.

"The Skate Hut has sponsored us and it's to do with The Big Sleuth bear trail too."

The event ran from 12pm to 6pm.

It was also a chance for visitors to see the transformation of the historic Lightwoods Park and House, which is currently nearing completion of a £5.2 million restoration project.