Central Oregon SK8 Share project won Tuesday’s Awesome Bend competition and earned $1,202 to provide skateboards, helmets and skate gear to underserved youth ages 6-17.

The project was started in May by Heather Kennedy, of Bend, and had already gifted three skateboards by the start of the Awesome Bend competition, according to SK8 Share’s website. Skateboards and gear donations for the project are accepted at Seed of Life Skateboarding Company and Aspect Boards and Brews. Kennedy said in her pitch that the Awesome Bend grant will allow the project to purchase gear and supplies that aren’t donated and provide lessons to get youth started in skating.

“Skateboarding is an activity that can build bridges in this community between people of different cultures and socioeconomic status. It’s a benefit to the whole community when our youth have a healthy positive way to spend their time,” Kennedy said in a news release from Awesome Bend. “We currently have two skate parks with another one on the way. Every child should have the opportunity to take advantage of these parks.”

In order to receive a skateboard, SK8 Share requires a one-page essay in which recipients introduce themselves and explain how a skateboard would positively impact their lives.

Awesome Bend is a local group that hosts competitions several times a year for those with ideas to “make Bend an even better place to live, work and play.” Finalists are given the opportunity to make a three-minute pitch at the Awesome Bend Pitch Nights, and winners earn a $1,000 grant along with any crowdfunding money that is raised on the spot during the event.

The next Pitch Night will be held at the Deschutes Brewery Tap Room on Oct. 18. The deadline to apply to compete is Oct. 1.