Ferrara, Italy *: Slam Jam is proud to present SLAMTRICK2003, the international skateboard competition to be held at marina di ravenna from 20 to 22 june 2003 *. This fourth edition of slamtrick is an invitation-only event designed to entertain and please the athletes and the public.

According to organizers, last year's 2002 * contest had an audience of around two thousand people. At this year slamtrick, promotors intend to add an new event to the contest's already "rich medley": Slamtrick Vert, a ramp competition to be held on friday 20 june at the new ramp structure by giorgio zattoni in mezzano, just a few short kilometers away from marina di ravenna.

Promotors claim that this ramp is one of the ten largest in the world and guarantees a marvellous show at an international level, which is "absolutely new for Italy". As organizers put it, "the best european * skateboard athletes and at least a couple of american 'legends' will be invited to take part in the Slamtrick Vert. Unline other events which are judged by a external panel of 'experts', the Slamtrick prizes "will be presented in an original way: the competitors themselves will award the prize to the winner."

The highlight of the event is expected to remain the street competition to be held on saturday 21 june, 5.30pm at the skatepark * oasis of the bukowski tavern in the heart of marina di ravenna. Apparently the thirty invited athletes – chosen from "among europe’s best champions – will compete in four half-hour runs with one single objective: to perform an amazing trick, an unrivalled killer manoeuvre that wins: the best trick." But note, Slamtrick is not only a skateboard competition. According to promoters, music will also be an important aspect of this year's event, "with a live concert by one of Italy’s most popular bands and a beach party."

The Slamjam and Slamtrick 2003 events are being organized bySlam Jam, "which regards this particular type of event as representing the true spirit of skateboarding:" being competitive, but not restricted competing in limited rounds of 60 seconds each, "which serve to frustrate the performers and the possibility of skating together", and encouraging tension and rivalry. According to organizers, the "best trick is about pure showmanship, the desire to exceed yourself".

Official sponsors include Globe *, Carhhart, Stussy, and Zoo York *, and the event is being organised in collaboration with the municipality of ravenna.

According to promoters, the best trick contest is fast becoming "a feature of every skateboarding contest", typically taking place alongside the real competition, and usually consisting of two rounds of about 1 minutes each, "during which each contestant has to complete the most tricks possible… and puts himself to the test attempting his most spectacular trick."

Founded in Ferrara, Italy in 1989 *, slam jam claims to be "one of the leading Italian street-wear" companies. The company's importing and distribution activities began with the Troop brand, whose products were seen on the hip hop scene in the late 1980s, by performers "such as LL Cool J, Stetsasonic, and Public Enemy. Within a short time, slam jam added … brands in the street wear sector, including Stussy, … and Fresh Jive. In 1994 *, another … brand was added to the range, namely Carhartt." According to Slam Jam, since the mid-1990s they have had a complete internal division entirely devoted to action sports, and their Globe brand has produced "a range of specialist skateboarding footwear developed in collaboration with athletes of the calibre of Rodney Mullen *, Chet Thomas * and Mark Occhilupo." Other brands that figure strongly in this division are those of Zoo York, Consolidated, Lucky Bearings *, and Savier * producers of skateboards, accessories and clothing. Another key feature of Slam Jam is what they like to call "the laboratory", a number of emerging brands which epitomise a strong sense of style and innovative design. According to Slam Jam, the most prominent of these are Silas and Supreme.

Finally, promoters say, Slam Jam "signifies enthusiastic and ongoing research," and "the clubs and the streets circling the globe are permanent sources of inspiration for a group of highly motivated people whose chosen mission is not only to distribute clothing but also to spread the philosophy and lifestyle which underlies the creation of these products."

Got that? Neither did we. But here's the Slam Jam 2003 event schedule:

SLAMTRICK2003 > 19 – 22 june marina di ravenna, mezzano
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
thursday 19 june
afternoon – PRACTICE SLAMTRICK VERT – marianna skatepark mezzano
evening – welcome barbecue - marianna skatepark mezzano

friday 20 june
afternoon – PRACTICE STREET – oasi park marina di ravenna
late afternoon – FINAL SLAMTRICK VERT – marianna skatepark mezzano
evening – buffet and BEACH PARTY – marina di ravenna

saturday 21 june
afternoon – FINAL SLAMTRICK STREET – oasi park marina di ravenna
late afternoon –STREET AND VERT PRIZE CEREMONY – oasi park marina di ravenna
evening - CONCERT – marina di ravenna

sunday 22 june
evening – GOOD BYE DINNER AND VIDEO PROJECTION– oasi park marina di ravenna

For more information, contact Slam Jam at tel + 39 0532 770 777 or visit their website.

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