Person of The Week - Cory Mcintyre

Cory flying through the Downtown park

Cory McIntyre is my friend. Well, actually he's not really my friend. He's more of an acquaintance. We have seen each other around town for years (like, more than 10) and said "Hi" or "hey", "wuzz-up?". You know, that kind of thing. But more importantly, we have both been involved for years with the Vancouver Skate Park Coalition - a group of organized local skaters that have been working together since 1996 to legalize skateboarding, build more skateparks (indoor and outdoor) and is the voice for all issues regarding skateboarding in Vancouver. Cory McIntyre is the current V.S.P.C. President, this is his second time as Pres.

He has all the qualities of a good president. He gets stuff done, he's nice, he listens, he goes to a bunch of boring, frustrating meetings. I know, I have been to them too. People (including myself I admit), have come and gone over the years. Cory has been there, through it all. Good times and bad. (I know that sounds cheezy but it's true.)

Being in an organization can be brutal sometimes. Disagreements within the organization, and different priorities, here are a few examples. Some want an indoor park, others would rather see a street park first, while there is only funding for one. The jury can be out for a long time and there can be plenty of uglyness all around. Then there are issues like who gets to design the park, and who gets to build it.

But its all good, when the skatepark becomes reality and everyone is so happy to be skating it. It's worth the hassles 'cause you can say to youself, "I helped make it happen".

The two major projects/issues right now are Leeside
and China Creek I am gonna keep you guys up-to-date with Cory and the rest of the VSPC's help on both these issues and anything else that comes up. Sound cool?

If you want more VSPC action, join the V.S.P.C. - The first Wednesday of every month at The Round House Community Centre for their monthly meetings email Cory- presedent@vspc.ca or me - sarah@beyondrobson.com

Read more on V.S.P.C. President Cory McIntyre...

Are you single?
Yes!

How young?
32.

Describe your personality?
Shy, till you get to know me!

Do you work?
Yes at the RDS skateboard park in Richmond.

Any hobbies?
Skateboarding, movies and reading.

Favorite place to get legless (i.e. Drunk)?
Toby's, Cambie or Shine.

What's your poison?
Spicy Caesars, beer or a nice rye.

Craziest drinkin' binge?
Probably in my 20's.

Where and what do you eat when you are hung over?
Vitamin G or grease.

Music?
Mostly hip hop, but I like a few others like modest mouse, dino jr, postal service and some old Motown.

How did you get into skateboarding?
Back to the future.

Best skate crash up?
I broke my leg doing a trick I've done thousands of times, a fakie rock and roll.

What are the responsibilities of being the president of the vspc?
A lot of meetings, and a lot of talking, but being surrounded by good people really helps.

What is the VSPC working on right now?
Lots! A moveable mini ramp, a beach skate spot, indoor skate park, Leeside memorial tunnel, China Creek future, more parks and spots and Skateboard Week.

What are some of the the coolest things about about Vancouver?
Soooo many parks, gvrd, it barely snows here and Vancouver has a huge skate scene.

What are the worst?
The rain, and days that its dry, but the ground is still wet.

What do you do about Vancouver's rainy days?
Good reading days, or days hit the indoor skatepark in Richmond RDS.

Do you want to thank anyone?
Everyone! The Vancouver Skatepark Coalition, Bombshell Media for the VSPC website, the Parks Board and City Councilors, and of course Vancouver's skaters.

Give me a good link to check out?
www.rdsskatepark.com
www.vspc.ca

Stay tuned for next week's Person Of the Week