Eastbayri.com

EAST PROVIDENCE — It was an afternoon of high-flying fun at East Providence High School last Saturday when a pair of accomplished bike riders put their talents on display for a good cause.

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Orlo Playground fundraiser

Photos by Richard W Dionne Jr K-Rob and his friends perform at the Orlo Elementary School playground fundraiser.

The first-ever “Extreme Family Fun” fund-raiser was organized by a volunteer committee working to bring new outdoor playground equipment to Orlo Avenue Elementary School. Some of the group’s volunteers were setup at the door collecting a small entrance fee while others sold drinks and snacks. The foyer outside of the high school gymnasium was also lined with nearly a dozen vendors who came out to sell their wares.

The highlight of the day, however, was found inside the gym. That’s where audience members gasped and applauded the efforts of some world-class extreme sport athletes.

Mike Steidley is one of the most prolific stunt riders in North America. His résumé includes nine national championships and 16 regional championships. Mr. Steidley’s also represented his country seven times at world championships and has appeared on MTV, Fuel and the Discovery Channel. His stunt show has been performed in North America, Europe, Asia and elsewhere at events such as the Vans Warped Tour.

Mr. Steidley’s performance might not feature the acrobatic moves of some extreme sports but it does require plenty of strength, balance and focus. Mr. Steidley’s stunt show saw him jump his bike up a series of platforms and over gap several feet apart. He later hopped his bike up into the bleachers and back and forth over a playground committee member.

The other featured performed on the day needs little introduction. Kevin Robinson is a BMX star and world record holder who has won multiple X-Games gold medals. He’s also an East Providence native, an EPHS alum and founder of the K-Rob Foundation, a non profit group aimed at keeping kids involved with sports.

For Mr. Robinson, a lifelong career riding his bicycle is still presenting him with new opportunities. His performance at the high school last weekend was the first-time he ever soared inside his hometown’s high school gym.

“I was so ridiculed and made fun of for what I did when I was in school,” said Mr. Robinson.

“It wasn’t socially accepted at the time. There was no X-Games, that kind of stuff, so what I did was weird. I got made fun of a lot for it. It’s so surreal now to come back and be able to do this in my high school and have so many kids wearing [K-Rob] Foundation T-shirts. It just makes it all worth it.”

Mr. Robinson was joined during his performance by Ian and Zane Bradley, a couple of teenage BMX enthusiasts who ride for Mr. Robinson’s company, Grindz. Additionally, flatland star Chris Polous returned to East Providence for the event. He previously delivered a motivational presentation to East Providence students alongside Mr. Robinson.

One of Mr. Poulos’ best received tricks on the afternoon saw him stand on the handle bars of his bike and catch a basketball, which he subsequently dunked into a hoop.

During a brief intermission between the Mr. Steidley and Mr. Robinson, the Orlo Avenue Elementary School Chorus provided some musical entertainment. The group performed a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner followed by John Lennon’s “Imagine” and Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.”

Heather Foley is one member of the Orlo Avenue Elementary School Playground Committee. She said the turnout and the event itself were “awesome.” Ms. Foley said an exact amount of funds raised wasn’t available at the time of this publication but organizers believe the event hit its intended mark. Ms. Foley said the goal was to raise enough funds to cover Phase II of the project.

Phase I of the project will bring new playground equipment to a small area at the front of the school used by kindergarten and first grade students. A community build to install this equipment has been scheduled for Sunday, April 15.

Phase II of the project will provide for seal coating of the large play area behind the school, the installation of new a basketball hoop and the painting of lines for games such as kickball. Ms. Foley said weather will depend on how much of Phase II is completed during the community build. Ms. Foley said the committee wanted to make sure improvements were made to both play areas before the end of the school year.

Meanwhile, the group is looking ahead towards Phase III and completion of the project. Ms. Foley said Phase III will cover the installation of new playground equipment in the large play area. To this end, the committee has a number of upcoming fund-raisers, including a spaghetti dinner. For updates on the project as it moves forward, “like” the Orlo Avenue PTA on Facebook.