For Tyler Bainbridge, a North Andover native and freshman at UMass Lowell, longboarding has taken on a whole new meaning.
On Saturday, June 7, Bainbridge hosted his annual Longboard for Life event to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Spectators of all ages gathered to watch the participants zoom down the hill and perform skill taxing tricks on Woodcrest Drive.
The Longboard for Life event began when Bainbridge’s friend, Ashley Cunningham, was diagnosed with cancer. Bainbridge and his friends decided to raise money to support their friend by inviting local teenagers to participate in the thrilling sport of longboarding.
Now in its third year, the Longboard for Life event has continued to grow. This year, professional longboarders came from as far as New York City to support Bainbridge’s cause.
Bainbridge saw an increase in sponsors this year as well. Bear Trucks, a skateboard company founded in Vancouver, made hats for the participants and donated $350 to be used for cash prizes.
NOTB, a snowboarding and skateboarding company, is another well-recognized local sponsor of the event.
North Andover’s very own Jimmy’s Famous Pizza also donated pizza to the event, which Bainbridge sold for $1 per slice for the American Cancer Society.
Marcia and Addison Minott, residents of Woodcrest Drive, said the event caused no disruption in the neighborhood.
“The kids clean up and are nice and friendly,” Marcia said.
Minott also said that she believes no one else in the neighborhood has an issue with the event taking place on their road, saying she and many neighbors “totally support” the event.
Tyler’s father, Jon Bainbridge, echoed the positive responses from the neighbors.
“They are having fun and raising money for the American Cancer Society,” he said.
While the Longboard for Life event faces an uncertain future, Bainbridge and his friends hope to host the event again, perhaps in a different location if necessary.
Comments are closed.