More than 50 students from 20 Central Alberta schools will converge at Glendale Skatepark on May 29 for the 8th annual GhostRaiders Invitational Skatepark Competition.
The event, organized by Stephen Banks and the Delburne Ghost Ryders, began as a grassroots initiative to introduce skateboarding in schools. It has since evolved into a high-energy, student-driven competition that highlights sports, creativity, and community spirit.
The first interschool skatepark competition in North America, the event is now overseen by Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, which has rebranded it as the GhostRaiders Invitational.
“This event is a fantastic opportunity for students to come together and celebrate the culture, creativity, and athleticism behind skateboarding and action sports,” said RJ Willms, a teacher at Lindsay Thurber.
In the school’s skateboarding program, students begin in Grade 9, learning the history and fundamentals of skateboarding.
By Grades 10 to 12, students also gain valuable business skills, including marketing, innovation, and how to launch a skateboard-related business—skills that extend far beyond the skatepark.
With preparations in full swing, students are taking on a key role in organizing the competition. “Our Grade 9 students will assist with the event, while our Foods Department runs the concession stand. Students will also go through a job application and interview process to manage different aspects of the day, providing them with authentic work experience,” Willms explained.
Participants will compete in two divisions: junior (Grades 7-9) and senior (Grades 10-12). Guest judges from Industry Snow and Skate, along with Lindsay Thurber alumni now pursuing careers in skateboarding, will be present to help judge the competition. Local businesses, including Industry, Wipeout, and Save-On-Foods, have also generously supported the event.
The community is invited to watch the action. Registration and warmups will begin at 9 a.m., with the competition running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will compete on skateboards, BMX bikes, or scooters.