USA Skateboarding Partners with Grind For Life to Include Adaptive Skateboarding Divisions at Every 2021 GFL Event

First Event of the GFL Contest Series Kicks off in St. Petersburg, Florida, February 13, 2021

Irvine, Calif. (February 3, 2021) - Consistent exposure and competition opportunities are a key component of USA Skateboarding’s ongoing effort to see Adaptive Skateboarding and WCMX included in the Paralympics. In 2021, our partnership with Grind for Life speaks directly to that effort, giving adaptive skaters and WCMX riders multiple opportunities to learn and compete in the friendly atmosphere of the premiere grassroots national amateur event series.

The GFL Series is a national, all ages and skills series in both street and bowl disciplines that benefits the Grind for Life Organization — a 501(c)(3) non-profit that assists cancer patients with travel expenses. Produced by The Boardr, the GFL Series concludes with a final stop at The Boardr HQ in Tampa, and Annual Awards recognizing the top skaters in every category.

“I’ve been speaking with Mike Rogers for the past few years about working together to support USA Skateboarding and Grind for Life efforts in a meaningful way,” said Josh Friedberg, CEO, USA Skateboarding. “This partnership centered around adaptive skateboarding inclusion could not have been a better fit. I can’t wait to see MR, Ryan Clements, The Boardr crew, and all the skaters at a GFL event soon!”

Grind for Life founder, Mike Rogers, on the added discipline: “Skateboarding is for anybody who wants to ride. The GFL Series is adding Adaptive Divisions to the 2021 contest series, and it’s going to be rad to see the adaptive riders push their limits, compete with new friends and most definitely inspire us all.”

“Adaptive skateboarding has been around for decades, but a major problem has been minimal industry support and coverage throughout the years,” said Oscar Loreto, Jr., Adaptive Skateboarder and Chairperson of the USA Skateboarding Adaptive Skateboarding Committee. “I am so excited for this new GFL adaptive program, and I hope some young disabled individuals are inspired and motivated to take the leap and see how skateboarding can positively influence their lives.”

Oscar will be in St. Petersburg to help facilitate the adaptive learn to skate clinic that will be part of every GFL Series event, along with USA Skateboarding Adaptive Committee member Daniel Gale. Daniel has extensive experience with adaptive skateboarding programs through Adaptive Action Sports, a non-profit he runs with his wife and fellow committee member Amy Purdy.

For the contest this weekend, there will be men’s and women’s, beginner and advanced divisions in both Street and Bowl. The Street Jam event format will be three skaters per jam, three minutes per jam and judged on overall impression. The Bowl Jam event format will take eight skaters per jam, three runs at 30 seconds each, skate in order until you fall. Judged on overall impression. Full event schedule and registration here>.

Contact
Katie Moses Swope, USA Skateboarding; katie.moses.swope@usaskateboarding.com

About USA Skateboarding
As the recognized governing body for skateboarding in the United States, USA Skateboarding (USAS) is responsible for the selection, training, and fielding of national teams that compete in the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, and other sanctioned team events. USAS is also responsible for the development of youth skateboarding initiatives that support grassroots programs, education, licensing, and safety while respecting and enhancing the existing culture of skateboarding in the United States. USAS is dedicated to promoting and supporting the sport of Skateboarding while striving to guarantee that Skateboarding continues to provide the unique characteristics relevant to the sport's participants, and maintaining the integrity and authenticity of Skateboarding as a sport, a passion, and a lifestyle. For more information, visit usaskateboarding.com.

About Grind for Life
The mission of the Grind For Life organization is to provide financial assistance to cancer patients and their families when traveling long distances to doctors and hospitals. In addition, we educate and inspire these patients and families concerning cancer survival and recovery with Mike Rogers Story a Two Time Sarcoma Survivor. Those who qualify may request assistance for travel and lodging expenses, meals, and personal needs.