by Janet Smellie
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 29/97) - While some cities and towns may be overdosing on the debate over increased skateboarding traffic, Fort Smith is busy helping boarders learn the latest jumps and grinds.

The town has not only designated a permanent outdoor area for kids to practice their sport, but has also taken the time to fly up an Edmonton expert to offer workshops.

Pat Bourque, a town councillor who spearheaded the Kids at Risk Program, said he decided to bring up Glenn Suggitt, an amateur skateboard competitor to help the "growing number of kids taking on this sport."

With about 50 "regular kids" who spend up to five hours a day flying about the town on their skateboards, Bourque said town council was becoming "extremely concerned" with the amount of property damage and injuries due to the new craze.

It's a craze that, unlike rollerblading, isn't going to disappear anytime soon, Bourque said.

"All you have to do is turn on TSN and see all the videos out there to realize this isn't just a passing fad."

Over a three-day period Suggitt spent time teaching these kids safety as well as holding workshops with Bourque and a local member from the RCMP.

"We're learning not to get angry," said Duncan Bourque on a break from the workshop. "A lot of kids get angry when they don't land the way they want and smash their boards on the ground and all over the place. We're learning to have patience."

Pat Bourque, who's also the head of the town's recreation committee, says he's also hoping an indoor park for skateboarders can be incorporated in the town's new recreation facility now under construction.

"It's a very intense sport, but it's also very athletic. Just because winter is heading our way doesn't mean we shouldn't give them somewhere to go. I'd rather see them doing this at two in the morning than hanging around the bars."

"It's programs like this that we support a great deal," noted RCMP Constable Adolphus Norris.

"It certainly gets them on the road to something positive. I'd much rather see them on skateboards than staggering away from some party."