Canadian Olympic skateboarder Cordano Russell, fifth from left, poses alongside his welcoming party at the Saamis Tepee on Friday evening. Russell is in town this weekend for a Medicine Hat Skateboard Association youth camp.--News Photo Anna Smith
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
This weekend, the Medicine Hat Skateboarder’s Association is putting on its annual “Run to the Hills” skateboarding camp, but this year with a very special guest.
“We collaborated with an organization called The Inside and the Medicine Hat Skateboard Association and ENR skate,” said Davie James with MHSA. “We just have a youth retreat out at Eagles Nest ranch, and we skateboard and we have fun, and we just have team time, and it’s just good vibes all around.
“And every once in a while, we bring in a bigger name in the skateboarding world to just, you know, come inspire some of these kids.”
This year, that name is Cordano Russell, 20-year-old Olympic athlete. Russell has recently returned from the 2024 Olympic Games, and agreed to spend the weekend skating, spending time and speaking with the Medicine Hat youth.
James noted that Russell was invited to take part in a competition in Rome, Italy this weekend, and the association was honoured and excited that he made the decision to spend time with the kids instead.
“The Lord really put it on my heart,” said Russell. “I always want to give back to the community.”
He explained that he had met some people who are longtime friends of the MHSA a few months ago, and was immediately drawn in by their positive presence and impact on the park that he frequented.
“Just their whole vibe and their energy was just great, and they’re fellow Canadian people. They saw me before I went to the Olympics,” said Russell. “We tried to connect prior, but now the time is perfect and everything lined up how it’s supposed to be. It’s still sinking in that I’m an Olympian now, but I just want to keep sharing the rewards of that.”
Russell was met at the Saamis Tepee by a group of representatives for the city, including Brenda Mercer, Mayor Linnsie Clark and Jace Anderson from Tourism Medicine Hat, among others, for a sharing circle and photo.
Later Friday evening, the association hosted a free barbecue for the community at large, before James, Russell and the youths made their way out for their weekend camp.
“We get to have fun and skate and that’s what it’s all about. They get to ask me questions that kids don’t usually get to ask,” said Russell. “I want to be as honest and as transparent, and to have my words inspire and motivate them to do anything that they want to achieve, because life isn’t always easy.”
Russell continued on that he was inspired by how close-knit and giving the community of Medicine Hat was.
“I see you guys, and what you guys are doing for your community. And it’s motivated me to want to bring something like this and just empower you guys and give as much time as I can. Time is the most valuable thing to foster new relationships, you can’t buy those out,” said Russell. “I see how you guys are such a great community, and how well knit, it’s incredible and it’s inspiring me to continue to do more, and reach as many people as I can.”
