RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., June 11, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Throughout history, skateboarders have not been given much recognition, but now they have their own official designated day to go skateboarding! The International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC) has earned Special Congressional Recognition for their work encouraging young people to get outside and skateboard, and received an official proclamation of June 21 as Go Skateboarding Day. Now in its fourth year, the recognition of Go Skateboarding Day by Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-CA, Orange County) gives skateboarding one more push forward.
"IASC is constantly working to increase the rights of skateboarders and help cities across the U.S. create places where skateboarders are welcome and respected," said John Bernards, IASC Executive Director. "We hope this recognition by Congresswoman Sanchez will give more lawmakers incentive to work with skateboarders in their community and understand that skateboarding is a positive influence on our young people."
Go Skateboarding Day has grown through the efforts of IASC, skateboard retailers, manufacturers and skateboarders taking part in the grind heard around the world. In 2006, more than 350 events took place in 32 countries with an immeasurable number of people taking to the streets on skateboards. The momentum is high, and, based on the massive response, Go Skateboarding Day 2007 promises to break all participation records.
You won't want to miss some of these exciting events taking place on Go Skateboarding Day:
* Element Skateboards world premiere of their film, This is My Element. * Freshpark is giving away a launch ramp and grind rail combo in the Freshpark GSD sweepstakes. * Emerica will begin their Wild Ride in Portland, Oregon. * Jessup grip tape is giving out free sheets of grip at retailers across the U.S. * Third Lair Skatepark in Minnesota will let everyone skate for free. * DVS is turning tricks and letting people skateboard for free at the Skatelab in Simi Valley, California. * The Dew Tour Action Sports Tour is supporting Go Skateboarding Day with the opening stop of the tour taking place on June 21 in Baltimore, Maryland. * Learn how to make a skateboard through the Create-A-Skate program on location at the Dew Tour. * Foundation and Toy Machine pros will be in San Diego, California on the Great Skatepark Tour.
From Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to London, England to Vancouver, Canada, cities across the globe are lining up their promotions. For a complete list of events being held around the globe, visit GoSkateboardingDay.org. The list will continue to grow as people add their regional events, so stay tuned for what's happening in your local area.
The International Association of Skateboard Companies logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2518