By TANIA PHILLIPS
CABARITA Beach is set to hold a bodyboard competition this weekend and could have a new bodyboarding club soon if the town’s youth has anything to do with it.
Cabarita Youth Service youth worker Simon Kelly has been busy getting young members of the local community together to discuss forming a club and helping to run a competition.
“I have been answering questions from the kids in regards to judging, heats, competition format and structure of the club,” Simon said.
“The kids’ enthusiasm for the club is enormous and makes me realise how big an impact this club can have on their lives.
“I have always noticed how many body boarders there are in Cabarita, and knowing what an enjoyable and beneficial activity it was for me as a teenager, I thought a club for these kids would be great.”
According to youth service chairman Trevor Long, the small steps made by Simon and the local kids could bring big dreams to fruition.
“The ultimate goal is to provide the youth with a pathway to state championships, national championships and the World Tour,” Trevor said.
“The national inter-club championships at Port Macquarie may even be an option next year.”
The event has the support of Donna Wilson and the local Cabarita Board Riders Club who had been invaluable in getting the first event up and running.
“With the backing of the board riders club, it gives a good indication of the community spirit this town possesses,” Simon said.
“The first competition is set down for Sunday 21 July, and we’re looking forward to getting under way and building a club for the kids and the town to be proud of,” Simon said.
Interested people can meet at the car park behind 7 to 7 and Cabarita Meats (between Pandanus Parade and Palm Avenue), Cabarita Beach, at 7am that Sunday.
For details call Simon Kelly 0413 668 067.
