Young riders ready to roll at 8th annual GhostRaiders Invitational

What started as a grassroots idea to bring skateboarding into schools has grown into a high energy, student-driven competition celebrating sports, creativity and community.

More than 50 students from across 20 Central Alberta schools are expected to gather at the Glendale Skatepark on May 29 for the 8th annual GhostRaiders Invitational Skate Park Competition, hosted by Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School.

Registration and warmups begin at 9 a.m., with the competition running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will compete on skateboards, BMX bikes, or scooters.

The event has been taking place for the last seven years and was spearheaded by Stephen Banks and the Delburne Ghost Ryders. As the first interschool skate park competition in North America, Stephen continues to support the event. Lindsay Thurber has since taken over the competition, rebranding it to be the GhostRaiders Invitational.

“This is a great chance to bring students together and celebrate the culture, creativity, and athleticism behind skateboarding and action sports,” said RJ Willms, Teacher at Lindsay Thurber.

Participants in Grades 7-9 will compete in the junior division, while students in Grades 10-12 will compete in the senior division. Guest judges from Industry Snow and Skate, as well as Lindsay Thurber alumni who have pursued careers in skateboarding will be in attendance. Local businesses including Industry, Wipeout, and Save-On-Foods have also generously contributed to ensure the day is a success.

As part of Lindsay Thurber’s Career and Technology Studies (CTS) program, students can participate in the ‘Business of Skateboarding Course’, which they earn high school credits for.

“The class starts in Grade 9 with the history and fundamentals of skateboarding,” said RJ. “As students progress to Grades 10-12, they learn real business skills - everything from marketing and innovation to launching a global, skateboard-related business. These are skills that go far beyond the skatepark.”

Preparations for the GhostRaiders Invitational are well underway, with students taking a lead role.

“Students have been instrumental in organizing this event,” he said. “My Grade 9s will help run it, and our Foods Department will be operating the concession. Students will even go through a job application and interview process to run different parts of the day. It’s hands-on, authentic work experience at its best.”

The community is invited to attend the GhostRaiders Invitational.