2nd Annual Skatebox Derby Race highlights community, youth creativity in Trinidad

(TRINIDAD, Colo.) — We Are Southern Colorado and it was race day on Saturday, Sept. 28 in Trinidad as the SOCO Clubhouse 2nd Annual Skatebox Derby Race took place.

Kids ranging in age from six to 18 years old raced their hand-made cars and FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe highlighted the community of Trinidad and its dedication to youth programs.

“The kids, they imagine their cars, they build them and then, we come here once a year and we race them,” said Jaime Johnson, Owner of SOCO Skateland and Executive Director of SOCO Clubhouse.

As far as the car designs go, these little entrepreneurs show, that there’s nothing “out of the box.”

“So last year, my cousin and I built the ‘Banana Split,’ and basically, we remember there was a parade and there was a banana, and I was like, ‘We should do a banana car,’ and to be even more creative, I was like, ‘Let’s do a banana split,'” said Nora Garcia, one of the racers.

Other racers designed their cars based on their favorite activities.

“I built the ‘Canoe,’ because my brother and I like fishing,” said Daniel Garcia. “The ‘Canoe’ has a fish steering wheel.”

Organizers say the race is a unique activity that brings the community together.

“It teaches them so many different skills,” said Chelsie Kalehuawehe, Program Director for SOCO Clubhouse. “[Skills like; how to work together, how to use their hands, and just, how to be part of the community.”

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