“Skateboard fundraiser for Tourette syndrome today”

Photo: Clifford Skarstedt, Examiner

Ethan Wyatt, 9, is hosting his second annual Flip Tricks for Tourette Skateboard Competition Saturday at the West 49 Skateboard Park.

By JEANNE PENGELLY/Examiner Staff Writer
Saturday, July 14, 2007

It will be tricks and treats for skateboarders and spectators Saturday at the West 49 Skateboard Park as the second annual fliptricks for Tourette Skateboard competition takes place.

Organizer Danielle Turpin said the event was the idea of her son Ethan, 9. “He’s kind of the thought behind all this,” she said. “Ethan wanted to help raise money and find a cure.” Tourette syndrome affects the neurological system. There is no known cause.

People with it experience tics, or involuntary, sudden, repeated movements or vocalizations. Up to one in 200 people may have the syndrome, according to recent research.

Last year the event drew 62 skateboarders and about 250 spectators. Through a barbecue, raffles and 50-50 tickets, as well as the entry fee, the group raised $3,000 and much awareness for Tourette syndrome, Turpin said.

There are four age categories for the competition: 10 and under, 11 to 14, 15 to 17, and 18 and over. Registration starts at 9:30, and competition begins at 11:30.

“We think we’ll have about 60 competitors,” Turpin said. “We’re hoping for some more money, but the kids get more out of this. Ethan met lots of kids with Tourette’s last year. I think he felt pretty special.”

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