Meet the skaters of the Alliance

(Rory on the left, Kyle on the right)

Say 'hello' to Rory and Kyle, two ambassadors of the Trinidad Skatepark Alliance.  One night, after the big City Council meeting at Town Hall (See two posts back) Rory walked a community member home so she wouldn't have to walk alone, in the dark, late at night.  Kyle recently wrote an essay for school.  The theme:  Why Trinidad should have a skatepark.  According to his mom, his teacher referred to his "excellent skateboarding essay" on his progress report.

This is Anthony.  He's our unofficial 'helmet safety spokesman'.  I've never seen him NOT wearing his helmet.  He doesn't even take it off when he runs into Murphy's for a snack!  

(Caique on the left, Anthony on the right)

Here's a shot of Caique and Anthony standing in front of Salty's, selling TSPA t-shirts at the Clam Beach Run.  At our first fundraiser back in the Fall, Cai sat with Salty Tom and enthusiastically sold raffle tickets to the patrons as they walked in the door.  We made over $700 that day!  By the way, Salty's is now the official home of the Alliance!

And this is Gabe.  Our friend, partner in the Alliance, founder of Harbor Pride Outfitters, creator of our amazing logo, Trinidad's City Clerk, and the man who saved Salty's.  We love Gabe.

A year ago: I had never set foot inside Salty's, my conversations with Gabe were no more than a few sentences regarding the sale of garbage bags, and I didn't know most of the kids who I now call, 'the skaters'.  Today, I can look at them and tell the world something positive each and every one of them has done.

Yes, things change in the blink of an eye.  Soon, the skaters will outgrow their TSPA gear, get driver's licenses, and move on to whatever life has planned for them.  Some of them will stay in Trinidad.  Some will only stay in touch.  Some, I may never see again.  And that's okay.  That's what happens.  One thing is certain, I will never forget this experience we are sharing together.  

Just like we remember every person who has had an impact on each of us--for good, or ill--I will never forget the skaters of the Trinidad Skatepark Alliance and  everyone  who has been there with us along the way.  Now it's time for you to meet them.  Join us Friday, April 29th at Trinidad Town Hall for our long awaited 'Meet&Greet'.  The doors will open at 5:30, the event starts at 6pm.  I will provide more details for the entire evening in the next post.  For now, mark it on your calendars.  We'd like to meet you so we can thank you in person for all your support!