By Ryan Ernst
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Most kids would consider it a dream come true to participate in an NBA shoot-around or a major-league batting practice.

Ten-year-old Mikey Benedetto, however, is not like most kids.

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Mobile Skatepark Series

Sure, the interest to play and learn from his athletic heroes is strong, but Mikey's sport is inline skating. And Friday, at the first day of the Mobile Skatepark Series stop at Sawyer Point, Mikey and his extreme-sports competitors got just that opportunity at the event's open skatepark.

The event marked the beginning of the five-day tour stop, showcasing the world's best athletes in inline skating, skateboarding and BMX riding. It also highlights one of the main differences between extreme sports and their more color-inside-the-lines counterparts.

"I get to meet a lot of pros; they're really cool," said Benedetto, a third-grader from Belvedere, N.J. "They actually show me how to land a lot of my moves."

Benedetto, who was skating at his third tour stop and hopes to turn pro one day, drew a lot of attention during one of the two-hour sessions for inline skating and skateboarding. As the smallest skater, he was pulling some of the biggest tricks, including a "misty flip," a front flip with a 180-degree turn.

Pro inline skaters Fabiola da Silva, Richie Velasquez and Stephane Alfano and pro BMX riders Tim Schoch and Ryan Nyquist shared the course with amateurs, big and small, in a form of controlled mayhem similar to NHL pregame warmups.

With bodies moving at high rates of speed all over the course, the skatepark staff kept the numbers on the track to a safe amount and required all riders and skaters to wear helmets and knee and elbow pads. There were plenty of spills - most looking much worse than they actually were.

Just in case, all skaters had to register before entering the course. Those under 18 needed a parent-signed waiver. And pads and helmets could be rented when participants paid their $8 entrance fee.

For Steve Heivly, a 17-year-old from Allentown, Pa., the entire process was old hat. It was his second Mobile Skatepark Series event.

"I went to the one in Baltimore," he said. "... The course is a lot nicer than what we're used to back home. It has a better variety. A neighborhood skatepark doesn't have all that much stuff."

And for skaters and riders who don't have a neighborhood skatepark, the experience provided a place to practice their sport in a new environment with fewer hazards.

"It's something different. You get a chance to meet a pro - someone who is actually really good at it," said Dave Goff, a skateboarder from Delhi. "Usually these events are in California, so it was something I had to check out. Plus, there's nothing illegal about it. So you don't have to worry about getting hassled for just doing something you love to do."

The Mobile Skatepark Series will play host to another session open to all amateurs from noon-8 p.m. Tuesday.

---

E-mail rernst@enquirer.com

Tuesday's Open Skatepark

Tuesday - Street Course

Noon-2 p.m.: Session 1 (Freestyle BMX)

2-4 p.m.: Session 2 (Skateboard and Inline)

4-6 p.m.: Session 3 (Skateboard and Inline)

6-8 p.m.: Session 4 (Skateboard and Inline)

Requirements

Must be 18 years old or have a parent-signed waiver.

Must where helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. (Pads and helmets can be rented at registration table.)

Must pay $8 fee.

Must register with skatepark officials before entering course.