LG Action Sports Event

by Jason Baker and Naomi Ngai

On November 15, professional inline skaters such as Jenny Logue, Louie Zamora, Brian Murphy, Clark Kirkman, Sven Boekhorst, and Jon Murakami competed at the Fairplex in Pomona. Some of the many professionals were as young as seventeen, which means they probably started their fundamental skating at the age of five. They performed several amazing stunts on ramps, pipes, and several other challenging obstacles. They were judged on creativity, tricks, and how well they landed. Although it was hot for that day, each performed their very best. For some it was their last competition so the intensity of the championships was evident in each skater’s presentation.

The LG Action Sports Event lasted on November 15-16, and November 22-23. The competitions included inline skating, skateboarding, BMX, and motorcross. This four-day event brought out people from all over the world to watch. Along with the competitions, there was entertainment, such as concerts in the evening. There was also food and miscellaneous booths. The food prices were insanely high, but the booths made up for everything because they were giving out free items such as pens, key chains, and clothes.

There were skaters that were decked out in the clothes that their sponsors had given them. Most were hard to spot because everyone was dressed in typical skater wear. This included beanies, baggy pants or shorts, and skater labeled shirts and shoes. Most of the skaters in the competition wore wrist bands that gave them special skating privileges around the park. We got to see how each skater truly was just like a normal person, even if they were under a lot of pressure to do well in the competitions. Most seemed relaxed and comfortable despite the intense setting. It’s amazing that the atmosphere at a sporting event could be so positive and warm despite the intense competition.