Bayside YMCA Offers X-Games Action To Campers
Local connection to action sports professionals provides chance for kids to enjoy new challenges.
The 2011 X-Games are in full swing right now, and East Providence professional BMX rider Kevin Robinson is one of the commentators, joining skateboarding superstar Tony Hawk, and other action sports stars in California.
Robinson is the uncle of Steven Fontes, an instructor at the Bayside YMCA. Fontes is proud of his uncle's participation in the new Extreme Sports option that teaches both BMX and skateboarding skills as part of the Bayside's summer camp program this year.
The K-Rob Foundation, started last year by Robinson, donated money that helped fund the ramps used for the program. Now, Fontes can teach his young charges the tips and tricks to take their BMX skills to the next level.
Fontes said the opportunity for kids to try out the program is all about discovering their interests, and challenging themselves.
“If a kid's never had ballet lessons, they don't know if they'll like it,” he said. “This is another outlet for kids to discover an ability.”
YMCA camper Alex Galuszka said he'd ridden his bike in his neighborhood, but never had the chance to try out ramps before.
“I'm actually getting some air on them,” he said, adding that he enjoyed the weightless feeling when that happened.
This is the first year that the Extreme Sports option is being offered by the Bayside YMCA, part of new camp director Michael Squatrito's effort to provide opportunities for kids who are physically and mentally challenged.
For Fontes, who has been riding BMX for seven years, the sport “is about staying active and having fun." He said he hopes to develop that same spirit in the kids he coaches.
Kate
6:27 pm on Friday, July 29, 2011
Many thanks to FAB (For Anything But - Alcohol Drugs and Tobacco) for offering skateboard clinics at the YMCA for over two years and getting these types of activities started at the YMCA. http://www.weirdgirlcreations.com/fabforanythingbutalcoholdrugsortobaccotilemurals.aspx
K. Schmigle