Hundreds of riders from across Missouri and around the U.S. came together for a free ride day at Kinetic Park on Friday, May 1. Sponsored by Red Bull, the free ride day brought together professional athletes, local riders, and fans of all ages for an afternoon filled with tricks, contests, and inspiration.
One of the biggest guests at the event was professional scooter rider and YouTuber Corey Funk. Funk is well known in the action sports world for his successful scooter career and entertaining online videos. He won the ISA USA National Championship in 2015 and later won 3rd at the 2016 Nitro World Games with his brother Caperon placing 1st. His Youtube channel consist of fun challenges, crazy games, and insane tricks on his scooter. Funk also has a scooter brand “Know No Limits,” encouraging people that anything is possible and to live life without restrictions.
Many people were excited to see Corey Funk and to showcase their tricks. Funk, one of the hosts, was also excited to be involved in this event.
“We’re just all out here kind of doing a little ride day, giving out prizes to kids that need it,” Funk said.
The event also featured professional scooter rider Sam Morris, who started scootering back in 2018. Morris competes for Fuzion Scooters and has quickly built a reputation in competitive scooter riding. He placed first and third in his first major competitions, SD LSU, before advancing to national-level events.
“This is a chance to not only showcase the professionals but also get the younger, not-so-experienced kids involved,” Morris said.
Morris spent most of the day hanging out with the younger kids, hitting world record winning tricks, and encouraging younger riders to compete. For many riders this event was an opening to their motivation and confidence in improving in the sport.
“I’m most excited for hanging out with everybody,” Morris said.
The event was more than just a competition. Organizers partnered with Red Bull to help spread awareness for spinal cord injuries through the Wings for Life World Run, a charity organization dedicated to funding research to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. Information booths around the park educated attendees about the cause and encouraged people to support future fundraising events.
The free ride day lasted from 3 to 7 p.m. and drew one of the largest crowds the park has seen this year.
“Red Bull Wings for Life is a great organization and i’m happy to be here to support,” Funk said. Organizers hope the event will continue annually to promote both scooter culture and awareness for spinal cord injury research.
