UK urban sports athletes can now sign up to be part of the first ever Youth Urban Games, which is taking place in North Glasgow on Saturday 25th August 2018.
The best skateboarders and BMXers in the country will get the chance to perform and compete for cash prizes on a purpose built stage of ramps, platforms and quarters pipes while free-runners jam, flip and jump across a four-metre high series of platforms, towers and bars.
The Youth Urban Games 2018, which is expected to attract thousands of spectators, is the first event of its kind to take place in an industrial outdoor setting located next to the Forth & Clyde Canal. Supported by the Year of Young People 2018 event fund, managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, YUG2018 is being organised by Scottish Canals in partnership with sports charity SportInspired and parkour, skateboard and BMX groups across the UK.
“We are delighted to be supporting The Youth Urban Games 2018 as part of Scotland’s Year of Young People celebrations. The event is really taking the ethos of the year to heart by ensuring young people are front and central to the development of what’s set to be a really exciting and action packed event.
“Events such as The Youth Urban Games further reinforce Scotland’s capability in staging inventive and dynamic programmes where there is an opportunity for young people to express themselves through culture, sport and other activities. I’m certain the spotlight will shine on North Glasgow, the competitors and indeed young people’s talents and contributions throughout this fantastic new event.”
Under the strapline “Think less, live more” the free-to-watch spectator event will put Scotland’s young people in the spotlight, celebrating their talents, contributions and creating opportunities for them to shine. There will also be opportunities for the public to try out each sport with the help of qualified instructors.
David Banks, founder of Ukemi Ltd and a member of Parkour Scotland who is a partner in the event, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing what some of Scotland’s top parkour athletes can do with the biggest custom built parkour park Scotland has ever seen and one of the best we have ever been a part of. From tag, to speed runs and performance, there is something for everyone no matter what their style.”
Up to 150 elite and emerging urban sports stars from across the UK will be taking part in the one-day event and athletes are being urged to register online at www.yug2018.co.uk. The event will take place alongside the second Glasgow Canal Festival adjacent to the YUG Games site, bringing live music, street food stalls, stand-up paddleboard and canoe try-out sessions, dragon-boat racing and a cardboard boat race.
Doug Peel-Yates, owner of Team Extreme, who is organising the skateboard and BMX competition, said: “The best skateboarders and BMXers in the country will get the chance to compete on a purpose built park. The banks, ledges, quarters, spine and a jump box will enable technical tricks, airs, spins and flips.”
The event, from the striking logo and powerful strapline to the opening ceremony, is being designed by the Youth Urban Games’ steering group which comprises over 16s and representatives from 10 primary schools across North Glasgow.
“Scottish Canals is investing significantly in transforming the Glasgow Canal Corridor, and we know that for regeneration to have a lasting benefit, local communities need to be empowered to be part of that change.
“Where better to start than with young people deciding every aspect of one of the biggest events taking place in this part of the city in many years? It’s been great fun watching young people get excited about owning the Youth Urban Games and deciding what is valuable to them, from the opening ceremony to the festival logo and strapline.”
The Youth Urban Games and Glasgow Canal Festival are free to attend, family-friendly events. Running from 10.30am until 5pm there will be a variety of free activities on offer, including skate-boarding, BMXing, parkour and canoe try-out sessions for anyone 8+ years. There will also be the chance to try a stand-up paddle-board and water walker, enjoy street food, listen to music and find out what’s happening in the area. No registration is necessary – just turn up on the day.
Designed for young people, by young people, the games are offering steering group participants the opportunity to shape the event while experiencing and developing a host of skills – from event management to marketing and tech wizardry to photography.
Euan Clague, a member of the YUG steering group, said: “Being a street trials rider, it is awesome to be involved in the creation of the Youth Urban Games that will celebrate urban sports and as a business student it’s great to see how a brand is developed first hand and have the opportunity to be involved in creating it.”
Free-runners, BMXers and skateboarders interested in taking part in the Youth Urban Games can register online at www.YUG2018.co.uk. There is a small fee to take part.