Skateboard success for ThreeSixFour team

A FLEDGLING skateboard team based in Strabane recently had its first taste of success after one of its members recently came second in a prestigious event on the North Coast.

Thirteen-year-old Ben McCool, a member of ThreeSixFour skate team, and his fellow team-mates were taking part in the annual ‘Coaster’ event in Portrush.

On the day, spectators were treated to a display of kickflips, drop-ins and halfpipes.

Ben was second in the U-16 category, an achievement of which he is ‘very proud’, winning a hamper full of skate merchandise and accessories as well as a cash prize.

Last year Ben’s fellow ThreeSixFour-er Bella Curran came third in the U-12 category.

Liam Cannon of Strabane Urban Sports and founder of ThreeSixFour was ‘delighted’ for his young charges, saying, “I’m very proud of these young skaters… First and foremost they’re delighted to have had the opportunity to participate in a sport which they love, in a structured setting and to have competed in their first competition.”

Liam has long been a proponent of Strabane getting its own skate park, a dream which recently took a step closer after Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed that a site on Beechmount Avenue has been earmarked and, following resident consultation, the planning stage will soon commence.

Liam concluded by saying, “The team, sponsored by local business ThreeSixFour are delighted to be representing Strabane and bringing further awareness to the benefits of urban sports in the area.”