By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
Qatar Extreme Sports (QES) is expecting at least 100 participants for its ‘Skateboarding and BMX Championship’ set from May 21-23 at Aspire Zone (near the Dome).
QES founder Farhan al-Sayed told Gulf Times that the competition is part of their effort to popularise extreme sports and cycling in the country.
“We have a lot of very enthusiastic and hard working skateboarders and BMX bikers training on a regular basis,” he said. “We also had lots of newcomers from different countries who joined us this year and will be joining our event.”
Among the championship categories include best run, Game of SKATE, and highest ollie for skateboarding while best run, Game of BIKES, and highest bunny hop will be at stake for the BMX bike competition.
Al-Sayed noted there is an increasing enthusiasm and interest among youths in Qatar to engage themselves in unique and exciting sports activities and competitions such as skateboarding and BMX biking.
Asked if summer season will slow down their events, he said players and enthusiasts have been working hard and very active all year round.
QES welcomes all who are interested to join the competition which will officially start on May 22. Thursday will be a training session, according to al-Sayed.
Players can register either at Quicksilver shops in Villaggio Mall or City Center Doha or at Metropolis in Mega Mart or The Center.
“Skateboarders and BMX bikers are booming in Qatar and most sport shops are selling more skateboards and BMX bikes,” said al-Sayed.
Members of QES are currently practising in a number of temporary locations at the Aspire Zone, Katara – the Cultural Village, and Qatar Foundation, among others.
“Hopefully Aspire Zone has a plan to build a skate park soon. Newbies will be welcomed during the event and we will be happy to give some useful tips to pursue skateboarding and BMX biking as their sport,” he added.
In previous events, skateboarders and BMX bikers in Qatar had enthralled spectators with their stunning acrobatics and unique performance on concrete steps and bike ramps.
Al-Sayed urged the youths in Qatar to join them in their practice sessions which are regularly announced on QES’ Facebook page.
“These sports will keep children away from gadgets which had become a major part of their lives,” he said. “It will help them live a healthy lifestyle since skateboarding and BMX biking are considered as some of the cardio sports.”
QES founder Farhan al-Sayed.
