Vegas Am Jam skateboard competition moves to North Las Vegas
The Vegas Am Jam rolls into Area 702 Indoor Skatepark in North Las Vegas on Saturday. Patterned after the X Games, this extreme-sports series stages skateboarding and BMX competitions at various indoor and outdoor skateparks across the valley each month.
Saturday’s event is for skateboarding only. All ages are welcome to participate — although most competitors usually aren’t old enough to drive.
"We target a population that tends to get overlooked and neglected, and certainly carries with it some negative connotation," says Mike Collins, supervisor for the city’s office of Xtreme sports.
Three age categories (13 and younger, 14 and older, and advanced) will attempt to impress five to 10 judges with the difficulty, execution and creativity of their maneuvers.
"The things these kids can do are going to surprise you," Collins says.
Winners receive a medal, along with donated shirts, skateboard decks and wheels.
"It works out very well for the community and the kids," Collins says.
Unlike football or Little League, which mold kids to fit a game, Vegas Am Jam — started in 2003 by recreation coordinator Joseph Wichert — molds a game around a culture kids already gravitate to.
"These are young people in their own element," Collins says. "We’re just providing them with a canvas to display things that they like to do, so they’re not doing it on your grocery-store lot."
Accordingly, there are no rules regarding dress, good sportsmanship or even language — only safety. (All participants must wear helmets, for instance.)
"It’s not badminton," Collins says. "You’ll hear language."
Contact reporter Corey Levitan at clevitan@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0456.