Image: L-R Mayor Steve Krieg, Local skater Everly Leard, Chris Winn of Momentum, Local skater Reya Davis and Sam James of 36 Chambers. Fresh off hosting an Olympic pathway event, Lismore City Council is set to welcome some of Australia's top female skateboarders back to the Northern Rivers as Momentum rolls into the city this July. The two-day festival at the Lismore Skatepark, from Saturday, 4 July to Sunday, 5 July, aims to build confidence, skills and participation among women and girls in one of the fastest growing sports ahead of the 2032 Olympics. Momentum follows the breakout success of Rumble on the River, the nationally recognised Skate Australia pathway event which attracted 150 competitors from across the country earlier this year and cemented Lismore's reputation as one of regional Australia's emerging skateboard destinations. Momentum will bring a fresh focus to emerging female talent, featuring Street and Bowl competitions, community coaching sessions, food, prizes, music and more. The event will unite elite and aspiring riders at Lismore's world-class skate facility while encouraging greater participation in skateboarding among women and girls. Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the city was quickly building a reputation well beyond the Northern Rivers, and Momentum was the natural next step after the resounding success of Rumble on the River. "Rumble on the River showed Lismore could deliver an elite-level event of national significance, demonstrating exactly what this skatepark is capable of," Mayor Krieg said. "It was the test, and Lismore passed with flying colours. "Momentum is the next step. It is about empowerment, participation and making sure the benefits flow back to our local skaters, especially young women and girls who are building their confidence and skills in the sport. "I am especially encouraged to see more young women and girls getting involved, backing themselves and making the space their own."
 Momentum is Australia's first all-female skateboarding competition, bringing top female skaters to Lismore while giving locals the chance to compete, learn and connect. Momentum welcomes women and girls of all experience levels, from first-time skaters to those ready to progress through competitions, coaching and future pathways. Event organiser Christopher Winn from the Mid North Coast Skate Club said Momentum was about more than performance alone. "Celebrating women and girls in sport is at the heart of Momentum, creating stronger communities and healthier cultures," Mr Winn said. "When participation grows, so too does confidence, connection and opportunity, not just in the skatepark, but in life beyond sport. "Through skateboarding, Momentum helps young athletes see what is possible and feel supported to pursue it. "We are thrilled to have the support of Lismore City Council in 2026" Council views the Lismore Skatepark as an important youth, recreation and community asset, giving young people a place to be active, challenge themselves and connect with others. Council's Manager City Brand, Advocacy and Product, Rebecca Sproule, said the event was expected to attract skaters and visitors from across NSW and Southeast Queensland and emphasised the real value of the skatepark would be seen not only in major events, but also in repeat visitation and community use. "Major events are important for our city's brand and economy, but the real value of this facility is what happens here week after week," she said. "If we can help more young people get involved, especially young women and girls, then we are doing exactly what this skatepark was built to do." Lismore City Council and Visit Lismore are proud to support Momentum alongside a strong lineup of government, industry and skateboarding partners. The mentoring and participation component of Momentum is supported by the NSW Government through the Office for Youth Holiday Break program. The event is also made possible thanks to sponsors and partners, including Ghanda Clothing, Impala Skate, Mid North Coast Skate Club, Costa Group, Costa Berries, 36 Chambers, Globe, Yepa, Byron Bay Chocolate Co, Convic Skateparks and the broader skateboarding community. |
|
|
|
