Last Friday saw the very first Urban Community Skate Awards 2026, hosted by Roll'n Boogie at Tottenham Community Centre in London.
This was yet another wonderfully innovative idea brought to life after months of planning by Raz and her incredible team. The evening was dedicated to recognising the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make our skate community such a vibrant, welcoming and inspiring place.
Community Recognition at Its Best
Over the past few months, skaters and other valued members of the community have been casting their votes for one or more of their "Skate Heroes."
Award categories included:
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Street Skater
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Skate Coach
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Skater
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Organisation
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Photographer
...and several more.
What made the awards particularly special was that anyone could vote. This wasn't a panel of judges deciding behind closed doors—it was the community recognising the people who have made a genuine impact on their skating journeys.
I'd like to say congratulations to Bo-Nana for bagging awards in two different categories. They deservedly received an award in the Street Skating category, and another for Community leadership.
A Brilliant Idea
This event gave so many skate influencers, coaches, community leaders, photographers, organisers and volunteers the opportunity to receive the recognition they truly deserve.
Whether they walked away with a trophy or not, every nominee should feel incredibly proud. Just being nominated means someone took the time to acknowledge the difference you've made.
When I received the news that I had been nominated, I immediately put the date in my diary. Not because I thought I might win, but because I genuinely believed this was an event that deserved our support.
The Event
The Roll'n Boogie team transformed Tottenham Community Centre into an elegant awards venue with a sophisticated black and gold theme.
Beautifully dressed tables were laid out throughout the hall, each seating six guests and complete with bottled water, sweets and snacks. Representatives from each award category sat together, creating a lovely atmosphere as everyone chatted amongst themselves.
As nominees and guests arrived, music filled the room while the projector displayed the striking Urban Community Skate Awards branding across the main wall. A black carpet stretched towards the stage, adding that extra touch of glamour to the evening.
Hosts Raz, Hyacinth and Jason guided everyone through the evening, presenting the awards while keeping the atmosphere warm, relaxed and full of celebration.
Outstanding Performances
The entertainment throughout the evening was absolutely top tier.
We were treated to performances before, during and after the awards ceremony from:
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West End & Motown singer: Cleopatra
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Krump dance group: GSB
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Skate performers: TottCats
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R&B singer: Kim (Bobo) from Bonana
The singers genuinely gave me goosebumps and the dance performances were full of energy and personality. Every performer brought something unique to the evening and helped make it feel like a true celebration.
Winning an Award
I was nominated in the Skate Coach/Instructor category alongside several fantastic coaches and organisations.
To be honest, I wasn't expecting to win.
So when I heard Skate Base London announced as the winner, I was completely caught by surprise.
The next thing I knew I was being invited onto the stage to say a few words.
"Why didn't I prepare something?" was the only thought going through my head - on repeat!
Somehow I managed to pull together a short acceptance speech, thanking the organisers for creating such a meaningful event, everyone who had voted, and the amazing skating community that has supported Skate Base London over the years.
It was genuinely quite overwhelming.
Receiving an award is always an honour, but knowing it came from votes within the community made it feel even more special.
It Takes a Village
Afterwards, I realised there was one thing I forgot to say.
I wanted to acknowledge all of the other coaches who were nominated alongside me.
Teaching skating isn't something you do for recognition. It takes patience, commitment, passion and an enormous amount of love for seeing others succeed.
Every coach who gives up evenings, weekends and countless hours to help others improve deserves recognition. Every one of us contributes something different, and together we've helped build the skating community we all enjoy today.
To me, that makes every teacher a success story.
Looking Ahead
Roll'n Boogie announced that the Urban Community Skate Awards will become an annual event, and I couldn't be happier to hear it.
As the event continues to grow, I can easily imagine new award categories being introduced, recognising even more of the people who make our community what it is.
Categories for:
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Videographers
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Content Creators
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Event Organisers
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DJs
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DJs, Music Creators & Curators
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Volunteers
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Community Champions
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Lifetime Achievement
...and no doubt many more.
If you have ideas for future categories, why not get in touch with Roll'n Boogie? The more voices involved, the stronger this celebration of our community will become.
Congratulations
Congratulations to every nominee, every winner, every performer, every volunteer and especially to Raz and the Roll'n Boogie team.
Creating an event like this takes vision, commitment and a huge amount of hard work.
Last night wasn't just about trophies.
It was about celebrating the people who give their time, talent and heart to making London's roller skating community one of the most welcoming and inspiring around.
Here's to the Urban Community Skate Awards becoming a tradition for many years to come.
Kelly
Cranial Osteopath | Wellbeing Coach | Roller Skate Instructor
🗯️ We're you at the Urban Community Skate Awards? What do you think of the idea? Tell us what you think of it in the comments below or, leave us a lil emoji response.
