Preston HQd online event and ticketing platform Skiddle, which also has offices in Manchester and Liverpool, is to co-host the Skateboard GB x Skiddle Virtual Skate Championship.
The virtual event will enable entries without barriers based on location, gender or wealth that may normally stop skilled boarders from competing in a traditional tournament.
Skateboard GB, the organiser of the event, hopes that the championship drives more people to compete in skateboarding, as searches for the sport grew to the highest ever level last year. Searches for skateboard lessons increased by 25 per cent after the last Olympics, in which the sport made its Olympic debut.
While the number of people skateboarding is increasing year-on-year, and the number of females skating has increased by over 20 per cent in the last year according to Skateboard GB, by opening the competition up online, the hope is that more people from around the UK will feel comfortable putting themselves forward to compete in the still male-dominated sport.
Skaters from across the country will film themselves doing a 45-second line (showing off their tricks in a single run) for a chance to win cash prizes and skate shop vouchers.
The new partnership aims to create an ongoing relationship between Skiddle and Skateboard GB going forward, and could include future co-hosted events.
Lisa Braithwaite, senior marketing manager at Skiddle, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Skateboard GB on the Virtual Championships 2022. We look forward to seeing entries from all over the country, discovering new talent and supporting grassroots skateboarding.”
Neil Ellis, head of engagement at Skateboard GB, added: “The Virtual Championships will give skateboarders from across the country an opportunity to compete on a national level and showcase the amazing skateboard talent we have here in the UK.”
The new partnership aims to create greater exposure for Skiddle, generating a larger audience and greater demand for sporting events. Skiddle has already experienced a massive growth in business this year, seeing an 183 per cent increase in growth this year and almost doubling its team of staff, going from 39 employees at the start of 2022 to 71 employees currently.
Skiddle is constantly opening its doors to more events, having now worked with over 60,000 promoters, and expanding its traditional gig roster to more sporting and foodie events.
