On Saturday afternoon, the Reno-based LIF3 organization launched its first skateboard, BMX, and scooter jam as a rebranding initiative and a fun way to get together and progress. Meant to inspire innovation, motivation, and excellence in extreme sports, LIF3 wanted to host a day to bring the community together for at its favorite skate park.
LIF3 co-founders Jacob Bray and Will Wilson hosted the inaugural Community Jam at Sparks’ Burgess Park. Located on 1605 Pyramid Way, Burgess Park was built in the 1960’s in an older area of Sparks. Formerly called Northmore Park, it offers tennis courts, a softball field, playground, picnic tables and a skateboard park which was added in 2002 for public use.
“I’ve been riding BMX bikes my whole life and Burgess is my second home,” Bray says. “It has everything we want; it’s the best park in Reno, Sparks, Carson area,” he added. “Burgess is close to us and everyone loves it.”
Awarding homemade trophies to those who excelled in the Best Trick Skate, Scooter, and BMX divisions, the free event drew 30-50 competitors and their families. “We had a great turnout; everyone was super psyched to have it,” says Bray.
“We bought food and barbecued for everyone,” says Wilson. “Parents made pulled pork sandwiches; it was like a potluck.”
“One kid who just started riding did a Nothing over the hip; it was amazing,” says Bray (a “Nothing” refers to a BMX trick in which a rider removes his hands from the handlebars and taking his feet off the pedals while catching air). “And a 9-year-old kid did a backflip 180, called a Flare.”
“The goal of LIF3 is to not be specific to one sport,” Wilson says about how the organization came to fruition. “We want to make it a community and encourage people to get out and be active.” Originally called LIF3BIKECO because of Bray’s passion for BMX riding, he recently decided to shift gears to encompass all who ride on wheels. According to its Facebook page, Sept. 10 marked the rebranding of LIF3BIKECO to simply LIF3.
“We love all who ride on wheels and are changing the direction of the company to not only support BMX, but also skateboarding and scootering,” the page states.
“After seeing the influence we have [from Sep. 10’s event turnout], we’ll probably reach out for donations,” Bray says. “Everyone had a great time; there were so many people.”
“It’s like the county fair for extreme sports,” says Wilson. “It was exactly what we wanted to see, 100 percent positive. We want people to come to the skate park and see what it’s about. People talk about it, but they should come. It’s better than sitting at home, eating food and playing video games. These people are pushing their bodies
to the limit.”
LIF3 plans on hosting at least one Community Jam per month around the same time. The next one is set to be held at the Lazy 5 Regional Park in Spanish Springs with the day TBD. LIF3 aims to keep all of the events free, so donations are very much appreciated. Currently LIF3 has six BMX riders on its team and a scooter coach, and is also looking for a skateboard coach who is comfortable at working with skateboarders of all ages.
To find out more about LIF3 or to make a donation, email lif3bikeco@gmail.com or connect with them via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Lif3bmx/), Instagram (@lif3bikeco_) and on YouTube (LIF3BIKECO).
Leave a Reply