Mackay has cemented itself as Queensland’s regional skateboarding capital and the event that earnt our town the crown is returning in September.
FMS Rumble on the Reef is the largest skateboarding event in the southern hemisphere and brings skateboarders young and old, from amateurs to professionals, to the sugar city to shred the Sugar Bowl for a week of action.
Local business Field Mining Services (FMS) has once again signed on as naming rights partner for the event, confirming their support until 2025 in a move that Managing Director Donny Fraser said acknowledges the growth and solidifies local support for the sport.
“It’s starting to get a bit of structure like the other sports,” he said.
“Participation doubled over Covid and trying to build it has been very challenging but it’s people like them who allow us to take it to that next level.
“They’re really showing the community that they care by investing in sport, arts and music.”
Mr Fraser said the relationship between the tournament and the Mackay region has fundamentally changed skateboarding in Australia.
“Our sport owes a huge gratitude to Mackay for backing us to be able to create a future for our kids,” he said.”
“It’s the best place we could possibly ask for and the support from the city, the tourism industry, and the local community has been unmatched.”
The unique event promises a week of chaotic action, inviting locals to witness the future of Australian skateboarding across street and bowl events.
Rumble is a highlight on the skateboarding calendar, with plenty of competitors returning year after year including last year’s champion Rome Collyer and runner-up Daniel Woolley, most backing up from Olympic Games qualifying events.
“We’ve been doing this a long time so what we’re starting to see now is some of our juniors are now in the opens, guys like Daniel Woolley, I think we’ve seen him since the under 12s and he came second last year,” Mr Fraser said.
2023 will also be the second year Rumble welcomes representation from the Pacific Islands, with skaters from Fiji, the Solomon Islands and New Zealand making the trek and Papua New Guinea preparing a team for 2024.
Mr Fraser said the Oceania region performs well above its weight in professional sport and is developing a league to rival the biggest in the world.
“Bringing them here, having them learn, having them compete, it’s creating a presence that’s worth investing in,” Mr Fraser said.
“It’s a step in the right direction for those countries to show that they’re getting out there.”
Visit www.rumbleonthereef.com for more information.
WHAT: FMS Rumble on the Reef 2023
WHEN: Tuesday, September 19 to Saturday, September 23
WHERE: The Sugar Bowl, North Mackay
This is a free event.
L-R Last year’s FMS Rumble on the Reef champions Daniel Woolley, Rome Collyer and Dani Campbell. Photo supplied
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