KOBBAS Skate Festival is a day to honour and remember the beautiful Koby Mitchell.
Koby was a huge advocate for supporting local talent and equal opportunity, which has inspired his family and friends to hold Kobbas Skate Fest in his honour.
Koby’s family and friends have created the event to include grants to support other young skateboarders.
Koby’s Mum, Stevie told News Of The Area, “These grants are based around some of the very things Koby loved and shared with so many, not only the sport itself but the creative side that I feel needs to be encouraged, acknowledged and supported.
“These grants will really make a big difference to some young people in our community, which will allow them to continue on their journey and grow.
“To support our vision and honour the humanity Koby held so close to his heart we are proud to offer three youth grants* to three individuals aged between 14 and 20 years, who embrace and demonstrate all the values Koby possessed.”
The event will take place on 3 and 4 December at Coffs Harbour Skatepark.
“Koby’s contagious energy and spirit should never be forgotten but a constant reminder to us all that we are who we are and to embrace it,” said the organisers.
“To be kind to people, to help others, to appreciate what we have in life and to not sweat the small stuff.
“Koby was a friend to many and from all walks of life.
“If you had the pleasure of meeting Koby, you remembered Koby.
“He had that effect on people.
“He did not discriminate or judge, he was a well-respected kid within the community.” Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre is proud to be supporting Kobbas Skate Festival. “We value individuality in our young people and believe that it is important for them to be actively doing things they enjoy” said Anna Joy, Coordinator of Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre.
Major sponsors supporting the vision and making these grants possible are local businesses: Maccas Junior Grants, Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers, Chalkies Skate Shop, Coffs Computers, Coffs Coast Audio, Coffs Camera House.
Winners will be announced on Saturday 4 December.
These grants include Skateboarding grant – equipment to the value of $1,000; Skate Film/Skate Photography grant – camera, memory card, bag, skate camera handle, wide-angle lens and Arts & Music Production/Audio/ Mixing grant – laptop, studio headphones and supplies.
There are two competitions: The Koby Mitchell classic on Saturday and, in the evening, The Bowlanana.
Local artist Jimmy Wags will be running art workshops, there will be live music, great food, great energy and giveaways.
“The support we have received from the local community has been overwhelming; it really does go to show how many lives Koby did touch and the effect he had on people,” said the organisers.
“It will be a great day for us all to come together and keep the spirit of Koby alive.”
*For info see Instagram: Kobbas Skate Festival.
