YOUNG and talented Penola scooter rider Nathaniel “Nate” Oakley made the town proud at the Australasian Scooter Association Championships.
Competing against others from across the country and even New Zealand, Nate showcased his impressive scooter skills in the seven years and under category at the event held in Sydney.
“He was pretty nervous as we have never travelled that far to compete,” Nate’s father Brendon said.
“We did not ever think scooters would take him this far.”
Mr Oakley said he was extremely proud of his son who finished fifth place in his age group and shone the spotlight on Penola.
“He has done very well coming from a small country town.”
However, it was not only one Oakley family member competing, but Mr Oakley also tried his skills at the event, competing in the open category.
It was the first time the pair had competed together and they were the only father and son participants.
“It was amazing to be able to compete with him and it was a great opportunity to bond,” he said.
Mr Oakley has been asked to return and judge at next year’s competition held in Brisbane.
“I am looking forward to it, but I will not be judging Nate’s category,” he said.
The Oakley family wanted to thank the Penola community for getting behind the scooter rider’s crowd funding page, helping the family with travelling expenses.
“It was really appreciated and helped us pay for flights and accommodation to Sydney,” Mr Oakley said.
“It was our first time and we loved sightseeing.”
Wattle Range Council also donated $200 from their Wattle Range Youth Development Foundation to help with Nate’s sporting dreams.
Nate started riding scooters at a young age and two years ago was the youngest competitor to enter in an Australasian Scooter Association competition.
In his short career, Nate has already accumulated one trophy and eight medals and can now add another to his collection.
