Mr Bull, a Kyabram policeman and president of Kyabram Blue Light Disco, is the driving force behind the September 17 competition – expected to attract some of the nation’s best exponents of skating, scooting and BMX.
“It (the skate park) has been here a long time,” Mr Bull said.
“It is probably a little under-utilised and isn’t probably seen by the wider community as a valuable asset.
“We are hoping we can change that perception through this competition. I would love to attract more people to use the skate park.”
Mr Bull said the skate park was not particularly on the radar with Kyabram police, in regard to undesirable behaviour.
He explained there was an unfortunate reputation that was associated with youth gathering at the skate park.
“From a policing point of view the skate park is no more on the radar than any other part of town,” he said.
Mr Bull was last year recognised as the Campaspe Shire’s Citizen of the Year for his work with youth engagement in Kyabram.
He said last week that community perception of the skate park was at a low and that was among the inspirations for the establishment of the inaugural Kyabram Skate Scoot and BMX Competition.
The event will cater for Under 15 and open age competitors in all three disciplines.
Mr Bull said there had never been a competition for skate boarders, scooter riders or BMX riders, that he was aware of, in Kyabram.
“A pro skate board company runs one in Cohuna, but nothing here,” he said.
Mr Bull said organisers had received promises from nationally ranked skaters and skooters to attend the event.
"There is a kid from Melbourne who finished third in the national titles who has pledged his attendance,“ he said.
“He will be worth seeing in action.”
Mr Bull said there had been significant interest in the event on the various social media mediums used by his Kyabram youth organisations.
“Facebook data has shown it is one of the most clicked on social events we have had,” Mr Bull said.
“While skate boarding is not big in Kyabram, there is a strong scooter community.
“People seem to love the idea of bringing something different to town.
“If we are going to attracts kids to use the skate park we need something something like this to spark interest,” he said.
Mr Bull said while skaters, skooters and BMX riders had – for many years – had an unfortunate stigma attached, the profile of the sports had been lifted by being involved at Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
“These sport can lead to national representation. It is in keeping with the physical compont that we concentrate on through Ky Fit and our other youth programs,” he said.
Mr Bull and his Blue Light Disco committee are back in action at the Kyabram Sports and Entertainment Stadium on September 9.
The disco is from 6pm-8.30pm for prep to year eight students and has an $8 entry cost.
More information about the skate, scoot and BMX event is available from Mr Bull on 5853 1777 or at mitchell.bull@police.vic.gov.au
