SOMERSAULTING off scaffolding and skating on half pipes may not be something you see every day but when the Urban Games came to Burnham on Crouch street sports took over.
Around 100 children and young people came to watch freerunning, cheerleading, skateboarding, beatboxing, street football and basketball on Saturday.
Since the success of last year's event the Urban Games were held for a second time this year at the Riverside Park.
The day showcased the more unusual sports and activities for those who may not be interested in traditional ball games.
The Street Team, a network of groups and individuals who practice urban activities, helped put the event together.
A 27-year-old-man from Brentwood known as Big Fen is behind The Street Team and spoke to the Chronicle about the importance of the Urban Games.
He said: "It's about performing and interacting with young people.
"I've travelled around the world doing basketball tricks before I set up this company and now I bring lots of street sportsmen together."
Gary Grant is one of the individuals involved with the Street Team and was showcasing his talent in street football.
He explained: "Street football involves more tricks than normal football.
"When you have the ball you do something to impress the crowd, it's a bit like an MC battle between players."
The 27-year-old from Witham added: "It's still about the goals but it's more entertaining."
Luke Haddrell, ten, is from Southminster, and was impressed by both the street football and free running.
He said: "I want to try freerunning but I can't at the moment as I've broken my collar bone. In the future I'd like to have a go."
There were two freerunning groups at the event giving demonstrations and workshops, Seven Free Run and Traceur.
Rabin Beeloo works for the latter, a group based in Chelmsford.
The 33-year-old from Galleywood has participated in the sport for four years and explained what it involves: "It is a form of movement that involves getting through obstacles using vaults.
"When we teach we use gym equipment as well as the environment outside – it's not a roof top thing and it's safe as we don't push ourselves to do things that are too hard.
"Anyone of any age can do free running – there are no barriers. I started as I was looking for a new activity to do as I already cycled and ran – this was something different."
He added: "The great thing about freerunning is that we all do it together and push each other to progress – we're like a family."
Dan Fulcher, 21, is a co-founder of Seven Free Run and is from Burnham. He has been pursuing the sport for five years and explained why he enjoys taking part.
He said: "I like the fact that it's different and there's a sense of achievement when you try new things.
"It's great to get more kids more active – off the PlayStation and outside."
Rachel Lote, 23, and Jake Smith, 21, had joined the event with their one-year-old son David.
The couple from South Woodham Ferrers were pleased to see activities for young people in the area.
Miss Lote said: "We're really enjoying it – you've got to get kids out and there's not usually much for them to do around here. I particularly like the look of free running."
Mr Smith added: "I'm a skater myself but have a fear of heights so wouldn't do free running," he laughed.
One of the acts attracting a lot of attention was Contrix, a beat boxer from Greenwich.
The 20-year-old explained that he had been performing since he was nine years of age.
He said: "I practice every day while listening to music and will be performing a lot this summer."
Another crowd puller was the girls from New Wave Sports Dancers, a group from Brentwood, who combine cheerleading with dance.
Natasha Trzebinski, 25, lives in Leigh-on-Sea and teaches at the school.
She said: "This will be a good way to attract new members and we hope to let people have a go if they want.
"Cheerleading has grown in popularity – the American style has come over and people want to see it here too."
Vicky Ayris helped organise the event on behalf of Maldon District Council, alongside her colleague Tai Ajaya, who is also a leisure and sports development officer.
She said: "Everyone was welcome to join this free event in Burnham and we are pleased with how it's gone.
"The games aim to get people outside and active and doing something different from usual.
"The skate park has recently been refurbished and so if young people weren't aware they will be now.
"It's been busy since quite early with skaters, scooters and BMX's, so it's seems to have gone down very well."
