Skaturday, where do I start? I was totally late for this. Luckily, the event hadn’t started. Meanwhile, I thought of an idea, since time wasn’t sufficient; Why shouldn’t we randomize those who want to participate in the game of skate? Immediately, I was looking for people to sign up with Leo Kilel- who supported the randomization idea. Later on, we rearranged the names of the people without following a particular pattern. We wrote all the names: we then tore the paper where the names were written into pieces- the small resultant piece corresponded to one name, then it was rolled into a tiny ball and put them in hat. When everyone gathered at the basketball court at the Shangilia Skate park. Names (tiny pieces of paper) were taken randomly from a hat without replacement. This technique ensured that everyone had an equal chance to be selected and reduced chances of anyone winning.Skaturday, where do I start?
I was totally late for this. Luckily, the event hadn’t started. Meanwhile, I thought of an idea, since time wasn’t sufficient; Why shouldn’t we randomize those who want to participate in the game of skate? Immediately, I was looking for people to sign up with Leo Kilel- who supported the randomization idea. Later on, we rearranged the names of the people without following a particular pattern. We wrote all the names: we then tore the paper where the names were written into pieces- the small resultant piece corresponded to one name, then it was rolled into a tiny ball and put them in hat. When everyone gathered at the basketball court at the Shangilia Skate park. Names (tiny pieces of paper) were taken randomly from a hat without replacement. This technique ensured that everyone had an equal chance to be selected and reduced chances of anyone winning.
In the first round it was Kihara, versus Victor Murage, George Gachagua vs J-B, Kelvin Maina vs Willy Ojiro, Ben vs Edward Mahaga, Sedrick vs Victor Wachira, Kelvin Irungu vs Sydney (former King of S.K.A.T.E), Vincent Kavita vs Patrick K, Nelson Mulandi vs Adam, Ngis vs Willy Maina, Sam Maguta vs Chris Ho, Daniel Gluche vs Leo – what a coincidence. Because they were the ones calling out peoples names after drawing out the rolled pieces of paper. They were 22 participants, then as the game progressed one more wanted to participate- you’ll surprised who he was up against.
Once you were called by Judge for example Kihara and Victor Murage. They were to play rock paper scissors- no lizard Spock this time to determine who’s going to start first. Rock beats scissors since it crushes it, paper covers rock and scissors cuts paper. Victor Murage won the rock paper scissors and the battle began. Many tricks were set but, still I noticed that the basics were just as deadly as the more advanced as well as the intermediate tricks. Everyone gave it their all even those who didn’t have some of the basics down. Switch tricks were really treacherous and who was switching stances and confusing everybody? Well, it was George sometimes I lost track of what stance he was in but I remembered that he was a regular stance skater.
In the meantime, it was a chilled game of skate not much cheering though. Then, someone got frustrated; it was a skater called Ben. He was taken to the cleaners to make it worse, he said ” Nollie, can’t do anything there!” Talk about telling your opponent your weakness. Maybe that’s why his game was so short. A swift win from Kelvin Maina in the second round.
The game went on till the finalists were announced. Also, there was an addition, person who came at last minute. Daniel had time to take a break but, during that break the Kevin Murage was placed head to head with Daniel. I’ll never forget the face he made. Afterwards, Daniel was taken down by Chris Ho who had previously won his matches. Then the final came it was Kelvin Maina, Deecy/Sydney and Chris Ho. After the Judge said a couple of words they went right to it. Then he did a Varial heel revert; Chris did it. That was a very rare trick. In all the game of skates I’ve attended nobody ever set that trick, likewise, Daniel’s pressure flips. Its always good to see people keeping tricks alive like that. I also, enjoy the one foot shove it. Classic don’t you think?
After a hard battle the former king of skate lost his crown to CHRIS HO! He was awarded an Anitz deck (http://www.antizskateboards.com/); thanks to a friend from Germany Julien Bachelier and Daniel who came with the board to Kenya.
In the meantime, after the game of skate Daniel gave Leo a package from Kiaro Hinz who previously volunteered at the park to teach kids how to skate and used to teach other subjects too at the Shangilia Mtoto Wa Africa school in the environs of the Skate park.
The package contained a number of things: trucks, wheels, hardware, bearings, stickers plus a post card. Kiaro really misses the time he used to skate with us. Recently, he’s been skating street too. Amidst everything that took place the Skate Hustle Brand unleashed their new tie and die t-shirts Leo, Ngis and J-B had worn one even Victor Murage. Wish I got one too. Before I close this chapter, I’d like to recall the game, I realized the most successful skaters in the game, knew some stances and were relaxed despite the pressure. So always keep calm in a game of skate and remember what I’ve pointed out and you’ll be fine. Lastly, have fun! Have you joined the Skateboarding Society Of Kenya?If you haven’t get to know how by leaving a comment here or contacting me.
Written by:Shuyin Ben
Twitter @Shuyin_benFacebook Shuyin Ben
S.S.KFacebook Skateboarding Society of KenyaTwitter @SkateboardKenya
Thanks for reading this far! Wondering who the judge was? Me and a couple of people during the event.