OLYMPIC SKATEBOARDING HOPEFUL ALEX DECUNHA CLAIMS THE TOP SPOT AT A COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH EVENT IN SALFORD.

Olympic hopeful Alex Decunha took the top spot in the skateboarding competition, with legendary DJ Mr Scruff joining the action sports community for a brand-new event aimed at removing the stigma around well-being in extreme sports.

The new event, Coping, took place at Graystone Action Sports skate park on 28 September, raising £4000 for Manchester based charities; The Christie and 42nd Street.

It highlighted the well-being issues surrounding action sports and music, which has lead to a string of tragedies in recent years.

Coping included creative workshops, family auctions and a competition for some of the UK’s most talented skaters. Mental health sufferers shared their stories and experienced professionals held expert well-being sessions for those present.

The event organiser, Wil Hesketh explained,

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“A friend recently showed me the film Mind the Gap, about skater Paul Alexander’s battle with paranoia, as I was preparing to teach yoga and meditation to skateboarders for the first time.  

I was captivated by the film and loved how it made a step towards normalising discussions about mental health problems in a sport which is not always renowned for its sensitivity. Inspired by the film and pleasantly surprised not to be laughed out of town for trying to persuade skaters to practice yoga, the seeds of this event started to form.”

 

Coping also featured the legendary DJ Mr Scruff, who added,

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“I can’t even stand up on a skateboard, but my daughter skated for a while and I was inspired by the community spirit that happens when a wide range of people bond over a common interest.  Events like these can help to nurture the compassionate side of the sport. Wil has stood up for something that he holds very dear, and has my full support.”

Graystone Action Sports is an exciting new venture in the heart of Manchester, just 15 minutes walk from Spinningfields, just off Junction 3 of the M602 and a short walk from Salford Crescent station the venue is a world-class destination for athletes and kids, inspiring progression in action sports; skate, scooter, bmx, trampoline, ski, snowboard, gymnastics, parkour and climbing. It has exciting links with Sport England, Snow Sports England and GBSkateboard.

The action sports hub offers; summer camps, lessons, parties, and a variety of yoga & gym classes, a parkour area, ninja warrior course, spring floor, trampoline zone and bouldering wall are all currently under construction. In addition a modern bar and restaurant provides the perfect opportunity to relax with the family whilst overlooking the action below.

Graystone is encouraging a wider audience to participate in action sports, and benefit from the social and well-being rewards they can offer. The Big Air Training Zone offers varying heights of drop-ins to foam allowing skaters, BMXers, Skiers, Snowboarders, Scooters and inliners to float their biggest tricks into the soft landing.

The fitness studio offers a range of classes including yoga, pilates, cardio and rehab with expert, personal tuition and support.

For more information, visit graystoneactionsports.co.uk, email enquiries@graystoneactionsports.co.uk, call 07508 818682.