Skate Week brings the community together

The Shire of Broome’s Skate Week brought together the town’s diverse community to engage in an array of workshops and activities. From fairy face painting to smoothie making, and of course lots of skating the event was a showcase for the local Broome spirit.

Police officer Oscar Heemskerk — also known as the skating police officer-— spoke with the Broome Advertiser on the importance of police forging positive relationships with Broome’s youth through events such as Skating week.

“I believe the Broome Skate Park offers enormous benefits for the youth in our community. Youth who utilise the park get to challenge themselves and their friends in a creative, fun and safe way. They are learning to conquer difficult tricks through trial and error and developing invaluable life skills,” he said.

Officer Heemskerk believes physical activity — such as skating — can be integral to boosting the mental health of young people.

“I regularly run into the at-risk youth whilst skateboarding off duty and I believe the mix of young and old coming together at the park offers a unique social experience. “

He added that extreme sports were good for mental and physical resilience and offered at-risk youth a temporary escape. These sports also hopefully influenced them to learn to challenge themselves and to overcome their struggles.

“Besides that it’s a great way to spend time if you’re feeling bored,” he said. .

The youth policeman is passionate about himself and his fellow officers continuing to develop positive relationships with the young Broome activity, through shared enjoyment of recreational activities.

“Youth Police officers add immeasurable value to the community. We present as responsible role models for the youth, whilst also showing the human side of police officers through our positive engagement.

“We demonstrate this to the youth through a shared passion of sports, fishing, hunting, games, cultural activities and in my case: sick grinds!” Officer Heemskers said.