Page 6 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 21

6 Our advertiser’s “Goal” is always to “Assist” their customers.

“People Pulling Together for you”

613.936.0660 • www.minimaxexpress.com

605 Education Rd. Cornwall, ON, K6H 6C7

Bringing Skateboarding To The Local Level

By Derrick LoRusso a one to five or eight ratio when we do of the people they contacted for an they do.”
school groups, and are working with interview. “They contacted us in February When asked what pointers he has
larger groups.” The entire camp will be and said they we’re coming to Ottawa to for newcomers, Regnier says to have
held at the Optimist Skateboard Park. conduct some more interviews with me. protection, such as helmets, kneepads,
“It is presently the only one in town and When they arrived they told us that they and even wrist guards. “Figure out what
actually quite suitable for teaching,” he had decided they were now doing the type of [riding] you want to do. Take some
says. documentary featuring Bricin, Jody and lessons. Learn how to ride comfortably
For years, Regnier has been advocating myself. It was quite a change and I am before worrying about tricks.” He also
for the use of a skate park built within sure I sat there with a deadpan look of adds, “I have seen so many kids trying
Cornwall, and so far, he has received a awe.” He has nothing but good things to to learn the Ollie before they could roll
great deal of support, “There is a sub- say about the two directors of the fi lm, 10 feet on a skateboard. Even if they are
committee formed and we are working “Jaret Beliveau and Craig Jackson were lucky enough to land it, they will likely
on it and expect to get a world class great to work with and did an amazing fall pretty hard.”
multi-use facility that will serve the job blending my story with the other Age is usually an excuse some people
local users and attract riders from around two characters, as we are somewhat use when it comes to trying new things.
the world to support the local economy different with the same goal of making People who are older tend to put off
and the local businesses,” says Regnier. skateboarding better for the riders and things they want to do, and that goes
He is also advocating for the return of the community.” double for skateboarding. “Age should
kateboarding is not just an activity the Canadian Slalom Skateboarding In 2010, Regnier was inducted into never be an excuse for anything. Not
Sfor thrill-seekers. It takes years of Championship to return to the Nation’s the Cornwall Sports Hall of Fame. His everyone is able to do anything and
practice to land even a simple trick, and Capital. The even was discontinued in nominator was his girlfriend, Mary-Beth everything on a skateboard,” Regnier
many more to become something of a the late 1970’s. “Over the last 11 years Lavoie. “Mary-Beth believed in me and says. “I decided a long time ago that there
high-calibre master. we have been running slalom events in submitted the nomination. I owe her for were certain things I would just not do on
Claude Regnier, who even after a Ottawa and added the Canadian National that as well.” Regnier has the prestigious
recent operation, can’t stay away from Championships to it back in 2006. We honour of being the fi rst, and so far only a skateboard. I have pushed the limits on
skateboarding. “Since my last heart have wanted to bring the race to Cornwall skateboarder to be inducted into the hall most of the types of skateboarding that
surgery in 2010, It was a little harder for a few years and almost managed to of fame. “Being the fi rst skateboarder I do. If someone wants to learn and is
to get out and push myself to race,” he do it on 2013.” in the hall will hopefully inspire others scared then I would teach them a little
says. Since then, he has been hitting the Everyone has an inspirational person to continue with their goals in whatever differently.”
gym, and practicing at his own skate that got him or her into their sport, and
park, Sk8. “My biggest problem is that for Regnier, there are several to choose
my injuries have taken their toll (not from. “Back in the 70’s it was guys like
from skateboarding) on my body. I was Russ Howell, Richy Carrascco, Hester, Sports Energy
skateboarding for five days in a row for Piercy, Hutson, Olson, Evans, Ransom

the first time in a long time last week.” and several others,” he says. “There were

Greater Cornwall & Area Community Sports Newspaper
Regnier has been hard at work creating so many great skaters that paved the way
a summer camp for anyone who wants to including some gifted women,” he adds. Is a Publication of:
get into the sport of skateboarding. He Regnier’s business partner and Editorial: Terry Tinkess, terrytinkess@mac.com
says this year is more of an introduction girlfriend, Mary-Beth Lavoie, has been Graphic Design: Lynn Dillabough, dillydesigns@xplornet.com
on what to expect, “We plan on hosting a big advocate in aiding him along the Business Development/Advertising: Mike Piquette,
summer camps leading up to and after way throughout his career. “She has mike@sportsenergynews.com or 613-662-3654
the acquisition of the new skateboard actually been the reason I can keep going Sports Energy is a monthly publication covering the Greater Cornwall
park.” It’s not just summer he hopes to sometimes,” he says. “She has always Area. Our goal is to offer a quality, informative and enjoyable newspaper
have a camp for, either. “My partner and been a strong supporter, partner and and website to our readership, focusing on the accomplishments of the
I are once again looking for a place to confi dent that what I do will work out for many gifted athletes and sports organizations in our area. The opinions
operate an indoor skateboard park for at the best!
and statements of our writers and columnists are not necessarily the
least the winter months,” he says. “If we “She is a very caring individual and opinion of Sports Energy.
manage to secure a location we will run really works to get us in with groups Sports Energy is always on the lookout for positive sports stories.
classes and camps throughout the winter because she knows there is a huge upside If you have a story you feel is worthwhile sharing, please email to
as well.” to our program.” info@sportsenergynews.com. All suggestions will be considered but
Unfortunately according to Regnier, In 2011, an indie film crew set out not necessarily printed.

enrolment is currently at a low for his to document the trend of skateboarders Visit us on the web at: www.sportsenergynews.com
program. “We always try to work with across Canada. Regnier, was just one