Legendary DJ Mr Scruff will join the skateboard community for a brand-new event aimed at removing the stigma around well-being in extreme sports.
The new event, Coping, takes place at Graystone Action Sports skate park on 28 September. It follows a string of tragedies which have highlighted the culture of silence around adrenaline-fuelled sports.
Coping will include creative workshops, family auctions and a competition for some of the UK’s most talented skaters. It will be accompanied by skater DJ collective Ultimate Choice. Mental health sufferers will be invited to share their stories and experienced professionals will hold expert well-being sessions for those present.
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The event organiser, Wil Hesketh explained, “A friend recently showed me the film Mind the Gap, about skater Paul Alexander’s battle with paranoia, as I was preparing to teach yoga and meditation to skateboarders for the first time. I was captivated by the film and loved how it made a step towards normalising discussions about mental health problems in a sport which is not always renowned for its sensitivity. Inspired by the film and pleasantly surprised not to be laughed out of town for trying to persuade skaters to practice yoga, the seeds of this event started to form.”
Coping will also feature the legendary DJ Mr Scruff, who added, “I can’t even stand up on a skateboard, but my daughter skated for a while and I was inspired by the community spirit that happens when a wide range of people bond over a common interest. Events like these can help to nurture the compassionate side of the sport. Wil has stood up for something that he holds very dear, and has my full support.”
Coping takes place on 28 September 2019.
10am – 2pm:
Open Skate (book through Graystone website)
Wellbeing Sessions (free with charity donation)
2pm – 7pm:
Skate Comp for under 16s, fun stuff for anyone and Storm® the park adults comp – £1000 cash prize to distribute
Creative Workshops
Film Screenings
Ultimate Choice DJs
Talks on mental health & wellbeing
7pm – Charity Auction (those with evening event tickets welcome)
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8pm – LATE:
System Session with:
Mr Scruff
Mungo’s Hifi
Dub Smugglers (full sound system)
Skate the bowl, beginners section & mini ramp until 11pm
All profits from the event will be split between The Christie and 42nd Street, the Manchester Mental Health Charity.
Tickets for Coping are available via Eventbrite.
