RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA -- 01/22/08 --
The International Association of
Skateboard Companies (IASC) announced today the 5th Annual International Go
Skateboarding Day (GSD) will be held this year on the first day of summer,
Saturday, June 21, 2008.
Go Skateboarding Day, founded by IASC, is recognized internationally by
skateboarders, skateboard companies and the industry as a whole as an
official holiday and continues to grow exponentially each year; both the
number of people who celebrate it and the number of events taking place in
its honor around the globe.
"This day allows anyone, devoted skater or first-timer, to celebrate the
exhilarating spirit of one of the most influential activities in the world,
skateboarding," said John Bernards, executive director of IASC and GSD
spokesperson. "For this one day, you can let loose and skate as a
community -- it's your holiday. Whether you carve hills on a longboard or
grind at the park, it doesn't matter -- if it has four wheels, ride it!"
On GSD, skateboard industry manufacturers and retailers, along with
influential and professional riders help to fuel the energy and growth of
skateboarding by producing events in different cities across the globe.
Much credit is also due to the millions of kids that spread the word of the
holiday and create their own events. Skateboarders can look forward to a
handful of new initiatives this year including: a series of collectable
posters -- the first has been created by pro-skateboarder and Toy Machine
Skateboards and RVCA artist, Ed Templeton; a retail window decorating
contest; new branding; and countless new events that leaders in the skate
industry and various skate companies/skate shops will execute around the
world.
"I am honored to create the first poster for GSD," said Ed Templeton,
professional skateboarder and Toy Machine Skateboards and RVCA artist.
"Millions of skaters taking to the streets depicts a powerful statement and
if I can inspire and encourage more to do so then I have done my job."
This year the holiday falls on a Saturday, which means no school, no work,
no excuse not to get outside and ride. 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 Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Los
Angeles, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, Tampa, Dayton, Dallas and New York
City.
Last year, millions of skateboarders participated in more than 600 events
held worldwide and 800,000 people logged onto www.goskateboardingday.org.
Highlights from GSD 2007 included numerous events sponsored by IASC
members: Alien Workshop, Active Board Shop in Ohio who hosted an autograph
signing session with pro-skaters, a BBQ and a skate jam; the KCDC Skate
Shop and 5Boro in Brooklyn, NY brought together more than 2,500 people to
skate together throughout the day. Element premiered their new team video
at over 350 locations and held a BBQ and skate jam at their headquarters in
Costa Mesa, Calif.
Check out how you can get involved or create your own event this year at
www.goskateboardingday.org or www.skateboardiasc.org.
About IASC
The International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC), a non-profit
organization that represents the united voice of the skateboard industry to
the outside world, was founded in 1994. With the hiring of current
executive director, John Bernards, in 2003, IASC was restructured into the
organization that founded Go Skateboarding Day on June 21, 2004. Driven by
skate industry leaders, IASC strives to promote skateboarding and increase
participation and education of skating. For further information, please
visit www.skateboardiasc.org.
About Go Skateboarding Day
Go Skateboarding Day, held June 21st of every year, is the official holiday
of skateboarding. Event locations are disclosed at local skate shops and
on www.goskateboardingday.org, where you will also find info on how to
create your own event, fundraiser or rally, among other things. While the
holiday grows, the mission remains the same: Go skateboarding and have
fun!
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Media Contacts:
Jen Mangiacapre
jmangiacapre@snlc.net
Stephanie Weber
sweber@snlc.net
SnL Communications
tel:310-996-0239
fax:310-996-0249
