Olympic skaters call for more ramps in the UK

http://www.ukskate.org.uk/For_Skateboarders/Skatepark_News/Olympic_skaters_call_for_more_ramps_20070820444/

Written by Kevin Parrott
Monday, 20 August 2007
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From:
Norwich Evening News
18th August 2007
Two Olympic skating hopefuls from Wymondham have called for more skate ramps in the region to help them realise their half-pipe dreams.'Vert' skateboarders Paul-Luc Ronchetti, 14, and schoolmate Sam Beckett, 15, who are among the best in the country at their sport despite their young age, are currently forced to travel to Birmingham every Sunday to practise.The reason they have to travel to Birmingham is because there are no vert ramps - half-tube shaped ramps with vertical sides - in the county - and only six nationally.This means the lads are only able to hone their skills, including complex jumps, flips and twists, for a few hours once a week.The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is currently considering proposals to make skateboarding, and vert skating, an Olympic sport, which could see the first competition take place at the London 2012 games, when the boys will be 19.But despite their training drawbacks, the boys' talent is obvious - earlier this month Paul-Luc secured third place in the X Games Amateur Vert Championships in California competing against skaters from across the world.While last weekend Paul-Luc came fourth and Sam third in the Rip Curl Boardmasters championships in Newquay, Cornwall, after going up against global competition.Paul-Luc, from Holly Blue Road, said: “It would make a lot of difference if we had better quality facilities and if they would make more verts and spend more money on them. “When we go once a week it's a long, hard session. If we had one hour a day it would make a lot of difference. If it gives me five more years hopefully I will be able to get into the London Olympics - that would be my goal.”His mum Liz, who usually spends her Sundays driving the pair to the Birmingham ramp, said: “It would make a difference because if you go up on a Sunday to Birmingham you could be there for just one hour, and he might sprain his ankle so he can't skate any more. If there was one just down the road it wouldn't matter.”Last year, Norwich City Council announced it was putting on hold plans for a world-class skate park in the city because of a lack of cash.The £300,000 Eaton Park scheme was to have been made from concrete sunk into the ground with ramps and a concrete cradle for skateboarders and BMX bikers to perfect their techniques.Leader of the council Steve Morphew said today: “The council is committed to building a skate park, and a £300,000 project is already planned. “This is one of our top 10 priorities, to be completed as soon as we have available capital funding.” Chris Sturgess, owner of skate shop Revolutionz in Lower Goat Lane, who has led the campaign for the skatepark, said: “We would like areas at the new park that can be used as a vert style or try and incorporate that style of skating into it.”And Chris Cook, head of leisure, culture and countryside services at South Norfolk Council, added: “The vert equipment he wants is hugely expensive, which is why it is only found at six centres of excellence around the country.“There is a Big Lottery funded skate park being developed for Wymondham - which both Paul-Luc and Sam are involved with and which the council and local councillors helped win.”