Velasquez offers Woodward West scholarship - 03/05/12

Stallion Springs, CA Woodward West Inline Director Richie Velasquez is making kids’ dreams come true. Richie is giving less fortunate kids an opportunity to learn, train and ride innovative action sports terrain by sponsoring a Woodward West scholarship.

After placing second in the overall pro/am street competition and first in the Best Hick Trick at Super Hick 2003, Richie was inspired to share his winnings with one lucky kid and provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to train at Woodward.

"When I began skating 10 years ago, I would have loved to have been a camper at Woodward Camp, but there was no way my family could afford to send me,” he said. “Now that I am involved at Woodward West and doing what I love, my dream has come true. I want to give someone a chance to make their dream come true."

Richie has established a scholarship fund by contributing a portion of his competition winnings. This opportunity will be provided to one lucky inline skater each summer session. Eventually, the more money he’s able to contribute to his scholarship fund, the more kids he’ll be able to send to Woodward.

“Woodward West’s riding facilities are unbelievable. They offer us the chance to take our sport to a new level. We are also incorporating a new rotation this year with the gymnastics facility: action athletes and campers will be trained in aerial awareness on trampoline. This is an awesome and safe way to teach our campers to spin and flip,” he said. "Woodward is the most amazing skate facility in the world. It is every kid’s dream to be at Woodward and learn from the best athletes.”

Richie's main goal is to help someone experience Woodward West who really wants it and cannot afford it. He currently is accepting letters of application for his scholarship.

Richie’s scholarship is open to children ages 7 to 17. Family, friends or children themselves may send letters to Richie stating why the child should be chosen for the scholarship. Letters of application may be sent to: Richie Velasquez Scholarship, Woodward West, 28400 Stallion Springs Drive, Stallion Springs, CA 93561-5308.

For Woodward West photos and more information, visit www.woodwardwest.com.