Ride Like a Champion

Tony Hawk’s gaming experience aims to teach kids about eating healthy and staying active.

By Craig Taylor

From the Winter 2009 issue of MyTekLife Magazine

Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk hopes to raise awareness about the importance of eating healthy and staying active in a fun, interactive way.

The nine-time X Games gold medalist has unveiled the “Tony Hawk: RIDE Like a Champion” interactive video game, which allows players of all skill levels to step onto a skateboard-shaped controller and use their bodies to perform typical skateboard maneuvers, including grinds, ollies and grabs, like a pro.

“I am committed to promoting healthy lifestyles, and Tony Hawk: RIDE is one more way to encourage people to engage in an activity they can enjoy on their own, as well as with their family and friends,” Hawk said.

Last November, Hawk joined the “Live Like a Champion” tour across Calif. The 16- city statewide tour featured other interactive games and challenging sports-themed activities that encouraged students to bring out their “inner champion.” The tour was part of the California Governor’s Council of Physical fitness and Sports, and it featured a select group of celebrities who helped advocate and raise awareness about physical fitness.

“Tony is a fabulous athlete and the best skateboarder of all time, but as I’ve gotten to know him over the past few years, I’ve learned that what makes him really special is his passion for the sport he loves and his passion for kids,” said Jake Steinfeld, chairman of the council.

Hawk began to ride a skateboard when he was 10 years old. His father constructed a ramp in their backyard. By the time he was 11, he had won his first skating contest, and by the age of 14, he had turned pro.

In 1999, Hawk was the first skater ever to land one of the most technically demanding tricks in skating—the 900 aerial spin— which he performed on a skateboard ramp at the X Games.

What many people don’t know is that during the competition, Hawk attempted the trick 10 times before he succeeded. It was even past regulation time, but since the x Games were so new in 1999, just four years old, the judges declared, “We make up the rules as we go along. Let’s give him another try.” None of the other skaters objected; on the contrary, they cheered Hawk on as he landed the trick. At later X Games, Hawk performed the trick again, this time landing within regulation time.

“Tony Hawk: RIDE Like a Champion” is available now for the Xbox 360, Wii and PlayStation 3. It comes with a motion-sensing skateboard, which lets you control the action with your feet just like you’re really skateboarding. You can ride your skateboard in six locations across the world and master more than 100 tricks. You can even choose to play as one of 13 well-known skaters.

This is the thirteenth video game Hawk has been featured in. His brand has not only dominated this arena, but has expanded to other markets, including skateboard hard goods, lifestyle apparel and toys.