Jam honours BMXer's memory

ID 133314/CRIS JOHNSTON

GETTING AIR: Robbie Brown, 22, of Christchurch, showing his BMX style at Wanaka on Saturday.

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An inspiring Whakatane BMX rider was the focus behind a freestyle event in Wanaka as people gathered to honour his memory at the weekend.

The inaugural Tim Hales Shredathon held at the Wanaka Skate Park attracted 20 entries and about 100 spectators.

Event organiser James Keane, of Wanaka, said the event had been dedicated to Tim Hales a well-known and popular New Zealand BMX enthusiast who died suddenly from a brain tumour three months ago.

The 24-year-old Whakatane man also loved animals especially cats and had represented New Zealand in Street BMX at X-Air.

"Tim was an amazing guy who had time for everyone; he was a special breed of person," Mr Keane said.

Mr Hale's friend, Lester Perry, of Hamilton, who attended Saturday's event said: "Tim was a quiet guy who let his riding do the talking. If he had been able to be here today he would definitely have thought this was awesome."

Funds from the event were split between the Wanaka Skate Club and the SPCA.

"Tim loved all animals but he always had cats around," Mr Perry said.

The Shredathon which is set to become an annual event was a freestyle jam with riders, including some from Christchurch, displaying style and tricks to a panel of judges.

By early afternoon $200 had been raised from entry fees.

Wanaka Skate Club chairman Eddie Spearing said the loosely knit organisation was raising funds for extensions to the 800 square metre Pembroke Park skate park.

Extensions including a halfpipe and new, larger bowl would take the skate park to 1700 square metres at an estimated cost of $450,000.

The Queenstown Lakes Districted Council has allocated $300,000 in its Long Term Community Plan.

- © Fairfax NZ News