By Michron Robinson
For the first time, Barbados held an inaugural skate and dance competition titled the Cassius Clay Challenge Trophy Freestyle Roller Skate Dance Competition.
The island’s best skaters came out to the Christ Church Foundation School on January 21 to battle for the much coveted trophy.
Queen of the night was Jamie Thomas, also known as JT, who won the competition in fine style with a whopping 70 points. Also sharing top spot was representative of Good Skate Cruisers, Patrick “De Massiah” Massiah, who scored a clear 68.1.
The moves by JT were too much for the other contenders. She battled against Sky Dowridge, also known as Skyy Drive, Tia Beckles, Kim Rock known as Kymoni and the youngest contender, six-year-old Anhora Lewis, also known as Nora Skatez.
While speaking to Barbados TODAY, JT said that she’s excited for the future and was grateful for copping first place as she was recovering from an injured back.
“This is my second day skating after taking nine months to recover. So it just was to have fun and to show the love for skating,” she said.
She added that her mental preparation was simple, as she tried not to be too nervous.
“Once the music starts, I just go with how I feel and I was feeling the music and the crowd,” she said, brimming with pride.
Meanwhile, De Massiah said he felt pure love and high energy from the crowd, particularly from Good Skate Cruisers hailing from the Ivy, St Michael.
“I love skating,” he said, lifting the challenge trophy up on the stage. On a more serious note, he called for the gun-toting youngsters to put down the guns and to “pick up the skates”.
Contending against De Massiah was the agile Michael “Majic Mike” Thomas, who opened the night. There was also Junior “Post” Walrond, representing 246 Just Skate and Tony Chandler of Good Skate Cruisers.
Meanwhile, independent skater David Bert, also known as Addah, pulled out all the stops on the dance floor.
Javid Benjamin, representing Skate Life Barbados, was smooth, and the audience was very supportive of his moves.
Independent skater Andy Cumberbatch blessed the floor along with Ricardo “Ricky” Cumberbatch of Roller Bay Skaters, Sylvester Maynard from the same club and fashion designer Harvey Smith, better known as “Mash Potato”. Adrian “De Ruble” Wilkinson captured the attention of the packed house on the night.
Well-known entertainer Cassius Clay said he felt privileged to be honoured.
“All the accolades that I got, I thank everybody for them– especially this one for all the skating that I’m seeing happening in Barbados,” he said.
Clay described the night as well organised and well attended, and says he expects an even bigger crowd for the next production.
Producers described the night as a major success. (MR)
