Paralyzed and Amputee Skaters Compete for $10,000 at Venice Skate Park on July 20

They Will Skate Again attracts international participants at one-of-a kind adaptive skate festival

LOS ANGELES, July 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Life Rolls On, a subsidiary of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, will host the They Will Skate Again SHOE CITY Open on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at the Venice Skate Park in Venice Beach, CA.  A free event to the public, this revolutionary program allows individuals affected by spinal cord injury and other disabilities to learn adaptive skateboarding and WCMX.  Life Rolls On provides adaptive skate instruction for adults and children, some as young as three-years-old. Whether it's learning how to do a seated spin, hit the snake run, or brave dropping into the skate bowl, this is a day to celebrate all that is possible beyond paralysis.

Hosting an adaptive skate clinic for paraplegics, quadriplegics, and amputees; a pro-skater exhibition; and interactive vendor village; the event culminates with an adaptive skate competition featuring a $10,000 prize purse.

With sponsors that include SHOE CITY, Ezekiel, Lo Fric, Shaun White Supply Co., X Games, and the Venice Skate Association, participants are outfitted with all necessary safety equipment and provided expert instruction from professional skaters and volunteers for an exciting and safe day of skating.  Awards such as the "Jolly Ollie" (Daring Youngster), "Drop-In Diva" (Best Female Skater), and "Balls to the Wall" (Gnarliest Rider) add to the fun programming of the day.  Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham, who made history by landing the first wheelchair back flip, will defend his title at this year's event.

To watch video from last year's event, visit www.Vimeo.com/liferollsonfoundation/shoecityopen and for more information, visit www.LifeRollsOn.org.

WHEN:                   Saturday, July 20, 2013, 9:30am – 3:30pm

WHERE:                 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach, CA

WHO:                     The event will host over forty adaptive skaters, fifteen professional competitors, thirty volunteers, LRO staff, and thousands of supporters. Anyone is welcome to attend the event and show support by bringing positive energy to the beach!

PHOTO OPP:         Individuals with spinal cord injuries skating.

About Life Rolls On Foundation

Celebrating its ten year anniversary as a non-profit organization, Life Rolls On Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury and utilizes action sports as a platform to inspire infinite possibilities beyond paralysis. Its signature program, They Will Surf Again, empowers paraplegics and quadriplegics to experience the freedom and mobility of riding a wave.  In addition to producing unique quality of life programs, Life Rolls On champions spinal cord injury awareness and offers outreach to individuals and their families at the onset of injury.  Based in Culver City, CA, Life Rolls On serves as a subsidiary and west coast headquarters of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. For more information, visit www.LifeRollsOn.org.

SOURCE Life Rolls On Foundation