Spirits high as winners of rollerskating jam announced

‘Hard work behind the scenes’ paid off, the winner told reporter Olivia Opara

A local rollerskating rink has announced the winner of its three-week jam skate competition.

The final of Roller Nation’s Battle Jam, on Wednesday night (24th August), saw eight competitors face off in six quick-fire heated rounds of improvised jam skating performances to random songs selected by a DJ. The performances were judged by the audience and the competitor with the most support proceeded to the next round.

Winning the grand prize of £1,000 was Courtney, with Eze and Nadia coming in second and third place respectively.

Courtney told HCP that he had an amazing experience competing and that he has had a great reception from the audience throughout.

“It means a lot to me to win today because there’s a lot of hard work behind the scenes and my uncle has been pushing me. My uncle is my inspiration to get involved in rollerskating and I had my mom and my girlfriend supporting me,” said Courtney.

Eze, who looks up to Nadia and Courtney within the skating community, told HCP that he had only taken up jam skating a year ago.

“I am so glad that I was able to go up against these guys and come out successfully. Skating means alot to me and I feel like this is the first step for more opportunities to come for jam skating,” said Eze.

Nadia told HCP that the competition was an awesome experience and that she had a great time putting herself out there.

“Obviously everyone wants to come first but I did what I could do and I am not upset with that and I am appreciative of that actually and the crowd. Roller skating means alot to me and my life is based around Roller skating and I roller skate for work. What is reading for some is roller skating for me and that is how I enjoy my life,” said Nadia.

AJ, director of Roller Nation, said: “We are fifty years on from the first hip-hop dance battle and we thought that we would organise a competition that follows the culture of hip-hop. I think Courtney who won absolutely deserves to win because he really showed his talent tonight.

“It has been a great evening and I think the whole experience for the skating community has been amazing.”

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