Press release: 1997-04-21: Sega Skates Off With 'Extreme Sports' Sponsorship

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: Sega Europe (archived)

SEGA SKATES OFF WITH 'EXTREME SPORTS' SPONSORSHIP

21st April, 1997

Games giant backs British Bauer In-line Skating Festival 1997

Britain's fastest-moving street sport is getting an extra boost from Sega in the form of sponsorship for this year's Bauer In-Line Festival.

The Sega-backed festival, showcasing the nation's fastest-growing craze, is the premiere In-line skating event in the UK. The seven-city summer tour starts in Torquay on 1st June and ends with a national final in Sheffield in August.

Thousands of visitors are expected at the carnival-like events which will have DJs and demonstrations by the Bauer In-Line Skating Team (Bauer is the UK's leading brand of in-line skating equipment) and BMX stunt riders. The mighty Sega Saturn Challenge Bus will be at each venue offering visitors the chance to experience the hottest videogames action for free.

The Bauer In-Line Festival 1997 with Sega has secured unmissable appearances from superstars of the in-line skating world. Top names include Simon Tabron (1994 British Street Champion, 1994 British Vert Champion) and Ollie Matthews (World record holder for the highest ever air, over 12.5ft). AJ Jackson and Tracy White - two of the world's top in-line skaters - will also be demonstrating their skills and hosting skating workshops.

The event will feature three main activities:

The National Hockey League Breakout Tour
Central to the festival will be a regional NHL street hockey tournament with Under-16 teams. Sides will battle to reach the national final in Sheffield. The winning team will represent Britain against competitors from 15 countries in the European Final that takes place in Germany this September.

Aggressive area
The 'Aggressive' site will be divided into two areas: a vertical ramp (vert) and a street course. The Bauer Pro-skaters and BMX riders will be performing a series of special displays throughout the festival on the vert ramp. Meanwhile the specially designed street course for all skaters will include grind rails, a fun box, fly-off ramps and quarter pipes.

General participation area
To cater for the first time skater, the area includes a 'test drive' section for beginners to try out a set of Bauer skates. This area will also host a 'beat the goalie' slapshot hockey area prize challenge. Prizes will also be awarded for the fastest shots of the day - a radar gun will be on hand to verify speeds.

The venues

1st June Torquay, Broadsands Beach
8th June Swansea, Swansea Leisure Centre
22nd June Sheffield, The Meadowhall Centre
6th July Edinburgh, Redford Barracks
20th July Brighton, Madeira Drive
27th July London, Finsbury Park

Special Charity event in aid of the Cancer Research Campaign
3rd August Manchester, Manchester Velodrome
17th August Sheffield, The Meadowhall Centre
National Breakout Tour Final

Further information:

Sega
[email protected]
Nelson Bostock Communications

Bauer
Louisa Cheetham Davies Day Telephone: 0171 610 9377