THE RIDE Against Drugs (RAD) Summer Series is coming to the Jimboomba Skate Park this weekend in pursuit of talented scooter, skateboard and BMX riders interested in sponsorship.
Families and young skate enthusiasts are invited to attend the festival themed free event featuring flags, banners, sound system and a team of RAD ambassadors.
There will be ride games, best trick shows, coaching and a culture of rider camaraderie on Sunday, January 13, from 10am.
RAD director Max Cooper said there would be room for six riders to win sponsorship during a presentation.
“The opportunity to be a sponsored rider means (youth) will be on their best behaviour,” he said.
The upcoming event will be the first time Jimboomba features in a RAD skate show with an Ambassador Development Day planned for January 20 and Krank coaching workshops on January 24.
Logan Village Skate Park will host an Australia Day RAD Super Show on January 26.
All events start from 10am.
Mr Cooper said the organisation had a proven track record with instilling positive values in youth looking for guidance.
“We are passionate about giving young kids leadership...RAD is a brand which promotes positive values,” he said.
“To be a RAD team rider you need excellent behaviour. Our creed is to protect your fellow rider and live drug free.
“We are kind and understanding, but also have to be firmed and disciplined. If you misbehave you are off the team.
“RAD has been built for the forgotten rider, it is not about being a good rider, it is about being a good person. RAD nurtures the underdog.”
Mr Cooper said the key to RAD’s success with turning street kids into community leaders lay in a professional approach.
“We have had former ice addicts who are now clean. They live to ride and they put RAD before their drug addiction. That’s why it works,” he said.
“We are working with a small percentage of riders suffering drug addiction. We mentor and help them.”
Most of RAD’s 400 riders are based in Logan with Creastmead, Woodridge and Underwood skate parks home to events.
RAD membership extends to areas including Rockhampton, Gladstone, Sydney and Canberra.
Mr Cooper said there were future plans to venture into Beaudesert.
“Jimboomba is the first step to expand west and Beaudesert will be the next step,” he said.
“We believe children and young kids in emote country towns are doing it tough. In areas like Chinchilla and Roma there are serious ice problems, youth unemployment and drought.
“Youth who are 13 or 14-years-old can’t move out of town so they go to the skate park. They spend all their time there and we need to travel to these country towns, put on a show and sponsor, help and teach.”
RAD events are supported through a $7000 Logan City Council community grant.
