A two-day skateboarding festival brought sport, art and youth culture to integrated resort Studio City Macau over the weekend, drawing more than a thousand participants and spectators.
The “SONDAY SkateFest powered by adidas Skateboarding” took place at the resort’s Sk8te Park in Cotai, located on Level 3 of Studio City’s East Wing. Organised by the integrated resort operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment, the festival combined skateboarding competitions, international showcases and creative workshops, highlighting the influence of street culture.
According to a Melco statement yesterday, around 30 international skateboarders took part in four showcase sessions across the weekend, performing tricks and interacting with fans. The programme included autograph sessions and meet-and-greet opportunities with athletes sponsored by adidas Skateboarding.
The event also featured a series of skate challenges such as Skate Bowling, Skate Jam and Best Tricks competitions, encouraging both experienced riders and beginners to participate. Judges evaluated performances based on technique and personal style, while instant prizes were awarded during the open-registration trick sessions.
Speaking to the Post, two locals shared their impressions of the festival. Zhang, 30, praised the skill of the participants. Even though he attended as a spectator rather than a competitor, he said he enjoyed watching the performances. “I think this event is very lively, and it is a very good international competition”, he said, adding that it was the second time he had attended the event. Zhang noted that the younger skaters particularly impressed him. “They all skate very well, especially the kids here. Their level is beyond our imagination”.
Meanwhile, Thomas, 21, said he recently returned to Macau after spending five years in the United Kingdom and had been reconnecting with the local skateboarding scene. “There’s a lot of great skaters out here, a lot of good people out here”, Thomas said, adding that the festival provided an opportunity to meet other skaters and enjoy the atmosphere. Reflecting on his interest in skateboarding, Thomas said that it had simply become a passion over time, inspired by watching skateboarders when he was very young.
Beyond the sporting element, the festival incorporated creative activities including graffiti workshops led by artists MCZ_THOMAS, AAFK, BONG and GRAPE. Participants used spray paint to create designs on skateboards, T-shirts and caps. Meanwhile, a pop-up retail store showcasing the latest adidas Skateboarding collection also made its local debut during the festival.
According to the statement, the retail store, located at Studio City, will remain open until June 13 and features collaborative collections including a series with the United States’ professional skateboarder Mark Gonzales, also known as “Gonz”.
Skateboarders display their skills during the two-day SkateFest “SONDAY SkateFest powered by adidas Skateboarding” at Studio City Macau in Cotai on Saturday. – Photos: Khalel Vallo
