March 19, 2024 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

They Will Skate Again

A special day of skating in Venice.

By Sam Catanzaro

Dropping into the pool at the Venice Beach Skate Park takes guts on a skateboard. Dropping in on a wheelchair takes something special as demonstrated by the competitors on July 7 at They Will Skate Again, a skating event for people affected by spinal cord injuries.

The event was hosted by Life Rolls On, a non-profit founded by world champion quadriplegic surfer Jesse Billauer. The organization is committed to improving the quality of life for children and teens affected by spinal cord injury through the belief that adaptive surfing and skating can inspire infinite possibilities beyond paralysis for these young people.

Winner of the Most Improved award, Albee Granillo, hovers in mid-air while dropping into the Venice Skate Park’s pool. Photo: six12media.

They Will Skate again featured some of the world’s best young disabled skaters alongside renown professional wheelchair competitors.  Four-time Wheelchair Motor Cross (WCXM) champion Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham wooed the crowd with jaw-dropping aerial tricks in the pool while Robert Thompkins, a professional chair skater, navigated obstacles and grinded down rails on his wheelchair.

Four-time Wheelchair Motor Cross champion Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham dazzled spectators with extreme aerial moves at the They Will Skate Again event on July 7. Four-time Wheelchair Motor Cross champion Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham dazzled spectators with extreme aerial moves at the They Will Skate Again event on July 7. Photo: six12media.

Youngsters put on a show of their own, with inspiring performances by Albee Granillo who won the Most Improved award and 12-year-old Sam Strain who landed the first 50 – 50 no hand grind of his life while competing on his way to winning Best Overall Grom. 

For more information about Life Rolls On, visit their website at www.liferollson.org and follow them on Instagram @liferollsonfoundation.

Professional chair skater Robert Thompkins grinds down a rail at They Will Skate Again. Photo: six12media.
Related Posts

California: Pioneering the Future of Online and Digital Payments

January 11, 2024

January 11, 2024

In the fast-paced digital economy of the 21st century, California has emerged as a powerhouse in the realm of online...

A Guide to the Current Gambling Situation in Canada

January 1, 2024

January 1, 2024

For centuries, gambling has woven itself into the fabric of human culture; in recent years–marking an era where evolution pervades...

Smart Strategies to Save Money in Your Entertainment Budget

December 30, 2023

December 30, 2023

Many individuals and families in today’s fast-paced world share a common goal: finding ways to save money. The entertainment budget...

California’s top sports teams.

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

California is known worldwide for a multitude of exciting things. They’re known for their incredible beaches, glorious sunshine, and fabulous...

Your Lucky Numbers: Six Tips Towards Lottery Success

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Have you ever wondered how people win money from the lottery? They may not always hit the jackpot, but they...

Five different ways to unwind.

October 1, 2023

October 1, 2023

Modern life is always busy and it can feel like your to-do list is never ending. When you’re not working,...

New Program Can Help Protect Southern California Homes in the Event of an Earthquake

May 13, 2023

May 13, 2023

Residents Have Until May 31 To Apply For Seismic Retrofit Grants By Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer for the California...

Venice Shorts: Tree Trimming Underway Thanks to the Vsa!

April 28, 2023

April 28, 2023

VSA Has Taken up the Task of Trimming Italian Stone Pine Trees. By Nick Antonicello Following the recent toppling of...

Venice Stakeholders Association’s Comments on Traci Park’s Broken Bridge Housing Promise

April 24, 2023

April 24, 2023

By Marc Ryavec I have been struggling with how to address the phenomenon that someone I and many others in...

Column: Tired OF Declinists? Some Enduring New California Positives

April 18, 2023

April 18, 2023

By Thomas D. Elias California has taken a beating lately, with (mostly Republican) governors of other states blasting many aspects...

Venice Shorts: The South Venice Blvd Encampment, Is It a Candidate for a City Cleanup?

April 14, 2023

April 14, 2023

One of the last of the large encampments closest to the beach, Venetians are hopeful help is on the way!...

Over Half of Short-Term Rentals Advertised in LA Don’t Comply With City’s Home Sharing Ordinance

April 4, 2023

April 4, 2023

Better Neighbors LA report highlights the inadequacies of enforcement measures for short-term rentals in Los Angeles, calling for increased regulation...

Venice Shorts: Averill Defeats Tyminski 63%-37% to Become President of Venice Neighborhood Council

April 3, 2023

April 3, 2023

In second bid for top spot, surfer/photographer Brian Averill coasts to an easy win against Venice attorney and outgoing Vice-President...

Column: Install at LAX Tiny Homes From The State Grant

March 31, 2023

March 31, 2023

By Clark Brown On March 16  Governor Newsom announced in Sacramento, his first stop on his State of the State of...

Venice Shorts: Night & Day – Flower & Lincoln Transformed, Back in Business

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

By Nick Antonicello In what was a Venice eyesore just a few months ago has been transformed into a place...