Skateboarders to Celebrate on First Day of Summer, June 21, 2009

Go Skateboarding Day (GSD), was founded by International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC).  I bet you didn’t even know there was an IASC.  But thanks to them, the day is recognized internationally by skateboarders, skateboard companies and the industry as a whole as an official holiday and continues to grow exponentially each year.  So that means no Rollerbladers!  HEELYS are always welcome though.  And thanks to the growing support, the number of people who celebrate it and the number of unique events taking place in its honor around the globe. That includes the tough streets of PORTLAND.  Besides beating up little skater kids, events include contests that help fund special charities, build skate parks and give scholarships as well as festivals and impromptu skateboarding sessions. Event locations are disclosed at local skateboard shops and on www.goskateboardingday.org, where you will also find info on how to create your own event or rally among other things. The mission of GSD is to “Go skateboarding and have fun!”

WHO: Last year, millions of skateboarders participated in thousands of events held worldwide. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the holiday, whether they are devoted skateboarders or first-timers.  World-renowned professional skateboarders such as Rob Dyrdek, Tony Hawk, Bucky Lasek, Bam Margera, Andrew Reynolds, Ryan Sheckler, Cara-Beth Burnside and Elissa Steamer among many others have paid homage to theirsport by celebrating and getting involved with GSD in past years. This year’s holiday poster was created by skateboarding legend, Steve Caballero. 

WHEN: First day of summer, Sunday, June 21, 2009

WHERE: The excitement for GSD is consistently growing worldwide and events are currently being planned to take place in Portugal, Africa, Czech Republic, Italy, France, Netherlands, Japan, England, Australia and Canada as well as hot spots in the United States such as Atlanta, Chicago, Dayton, Dallas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Tampa.