2012 Grind for Life contest circuit to wind up at New Smyrna Beach Skatepark this weekend
The 2012 Grind For Life (GFL) Skatepark series will be making its third and final stop at New Smyrna Beach Skatepark in Florida on Saturday, April 28.
The best skateboarders from around the nation will be hitting the Amoeba Pool to show off their skills in the six-to-nine feet three-pocket bowl, with some portion of the pool offering one and a half feet of vert.
The contest features nine divisions, which include sponsored categories for local professional riders, groms and adult talent. The adult category has the fast growing popularity, with riders over the age of 47 brushing the dust off their skateboards and
making the most of the opportunity to put their prowess on display.
The GFL Skatepark series is a state-wide contest circuit that acts as a chief fund-raiser for GFL. While the events were initially limited to south Florida, the success of the series and the lack of people’s willingness to travel to participate in the events
convinced the GFL founder Mike Rogers to expand the project all across the state by organising the event at various skateparks.
Rogers, a life-long skater, was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer a decade ago, which eventually led to the establishment of GFL in Florida. The efforts of the organisation proved fruitful and successfully aided Rogers in winning his second bout against his
cancer.
GFL continued to work as a non-profit organisation to raise funds for patients who found themselves in similar situation as Rogers.
The state-wide contest circuit became a significant part of the fund raising process, with the entry fees going directly to the patients who applied for help from GFL. Money was also generated by the organisation through the sale of merchandise and raffles.
"We help people when they need it now,” he said, “and educate them on survival and recovery." Although they haven't had to deny anyone aid, Rogers said there are limits to what they can provide. "With the economy the way it is, whatever we can get is good.”
The board of directors of GFL also includes the legendary professional skateboard Andy Macdonald, one of the many people associated with the organisation to try and give back to the society.
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