The youth skating and BMX community got a chance to show off their skills and passion last Saturday with Coastal Seshins at the Gibsons Skate Park.
The sun came out, grinning down on MVMT IK's non-for-profit event and all those who were in attendance watching, riding and jamming it out hard for the love of their culture.
The day was a huge success with big crowds present and showcased pure grassroots spirit, with generous support and prizes donated by several Coast businesses.
Natasha Florance, a local youth project worker here from Australia who collaborated with MVMT IK to get Coastal Seshins' happening, said the event was a classic case of counter-culture owning what they love and doing it against the odds.
"It wasn't a smooth road for event organizer Nik Muryn and other volunteers to guarantee that everything would fall into place, but it became an awesome festival in thepark and actually that happened very organically," Florance said.
"It was only because of hard work and love. I was stoked to see it all come together so well. Kids were offering to pick up litter on their own accord and helping out in every way because they feel a true sense of belonging and ownership at the park.
"Young people can so often be misunderstood in the community, but when you allow them to do what they love and you support them for who they are, all that bad rap they get is proven wrong. We get to see the best of people through building bridges, not walls," Florance said.
Further shout outs must go to the Sunshine Coast Regional District and Ted Chisholm for their support, to local youth workers from Gibsons Youth Centre, to Wade Lajair and family at Crossroads Grill and to volunteers Tommy and Nathan.
MVMT IK gears up to bring the next event to the Coast at Roberts Creek Hall on Saturday, June 18,a 16-plus DJ event. Doors open at 8 p.m. with tickets $10 prior to the event and $15 at the door.
