FILE PHOTO

Image Credit: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/Daniel Penfield

A Rail Jam event is kicking off at the university in Kamloops later this month which will showcase seasoned athletes wearing skies riding down a long hand rail and doing tricks.

“Rail Jams are happening in other cities all over the world and specifically on campuses around North America,” associate professor in the tourism management program at Thompson Rivers University Billy Collins said.

Skateboarders have been using the urban environment like rails and concrete to perform tricks or hone skills for decades. Collins said this newer style of sport is for skiers when it’s summertime as “most are skateboarders anyway so they adapted it.”

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“This (idea) came from a student who does urban riding,” he said. “We thought, ‘let’s do it, rally the troops.’ It’s great working with young minds and their energy, and doing something edgy and a bit different.”

Riders will be performing on a particular hand rail that is “a perfect urban obstacle to perform on” in a common area on the Kamloops campus. Spectators can expect crowds, cheering, energy, tricks and prizes.

If there isn’t snow on the ground it will be supplemented with ice and snow scraped from local arenas. Athletes will wear certified helmets and all will be seasoned riders at Sun Peaks Resort.

When asked if he’d be riding the rail at the event Collins said, “Are you kidding me? No way!”

Organized by the students of the Tourism Management department event program. Sponsors will be present and holding giveaways during the event.

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Rail Riot kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, at the Thompson Rivers University campus commons outside the old library.

The cost is free, all ages are welcome and there are prizes to win.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Billy Collins

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