In what was billed as the First Annual Skateboard Tournament in Zihuatanejo, two dozen skateboarders—ranging in ages 10 – 18, and including a 15-year-old girl—raced, sprinted, jumped, twirled, twisted, hopped, crashed and fell to the delight of an appreciative applauding and cheering crowd of some 300 supporters.

The two-day event, held on the municipal zócalo on March 6 and 7, featured two categories, the first one open to all ages—Joel Garcia, Hector (from Acapulco) and Miguel Ramirez were the recipients of various skateboard equipment and t-shirts donated by the sponsor La Roxy Skate.

Armando Duarte, Eric Motrak and Hector were the winners of the second category. Duarte took home the first prize of a thousand pesos while Motrok received 700 pesos; and Hector won 350 pesos. All three were given t-shirts from the sponsor.

On April 3 and 4, Zihuatanejo will host a second skateboard tournament with participants from Guadalajara, Morelia, Lazaro Cardenas and Acapulco. A crowd of at least 500 persons is anticipated according to La Roxy Skate officials. Furthermore, a group of skateboarders from Cancun may be in Zihuatanejo for a third tournament later this year.

With the popularity of the spot increasing daily, several skateboarders have told us that it is hoped that the city of Zihuatanejo will eventually build a park for those avid “devils on wheel.” Skateboarding has finally arrived in Mexico, proving here as elsewhere, skateboarding is a sport not a crime.