2022 Go Skateboarding Day

July 15, 2022

Emma Hughes

Community Newsperson

The Gila River Indian Community celebrated national “Go Skateboarding Day” on June 21, after a two-year pause due to the pandemic. Hosted by District 4 Recreation and Seven Layer Army (SLA), the event held at the San Tan Skate Park featured music, best trick contest, prizes and product toss. 

The celebration brought out 30 participants along with families and spectators of all ages, despite the summer heat and sudden high winds of an evening dust storm.

Reuben Ringlero, District 6, co-founder of SLA was pleased with the turnout, “It was an amazing experience to be back with the local skateboard community and to see all the fresh new faces. It was such a fun time,” he said.

During the pandemic shutdown, SLA did their best to stay connected with the GRIC skateboard community through social media, but found it difficult. 

“I[‘d] never been to one of these and it was my first time, but I loved it,” said Sianna, age nine. She’s been practicing skateboarding at home and came along with her brothers. 

Paul Molina, District 7, SLA co-founder, was excited to resume in-person events and none better than Go Skateboarding Day. The last SLA skateboard event was for the District 7 Mustering In Day celebration on Sept. 7, 2019. 

 Molina said, “The skaters have definitely been waiting for something to happen. We heard remarks like ‘Haven’t seen you in a long time’ or ‘I’m rusty’, meaning they haven’t been skating since the pandemic hit.” 

“This is our first skate event since the pandemic. We’ve always celebrated Go Skate Day,” said Kelly Whitman, District 4 recreation coordinator. 

Skating participants received a commemorative Go Skate Day T-shirt and an SLA skateboard deck featuring a photo of Aji Mountain. 

Additional sponsors for this year’s event included the CowTown Skateboards, Casa Grande Skateshop and Etnies footwear.