AN event will be held at the Whakatāne Skate Park tomorrow dedicated to the memory of avid skater and skate teacher, Daniel Henriksen.

The memorial “Dan’s Jam” will bring the community together in celebration of his life and achievement while at the same time continuing his work in helping children grow, skate and choose “board over screen”.

Henriksen, who was killed in a car crash on Thornton Road last year, was the owner of Beehoh Skate School, an initiative he started to not only share his love of skateboarding with others, but help children gain confidence, engage in outdoor activities, get away from their devices and learn new skills.

Alongside skateboarding skills, Henriksen’s students came away with valuable lessons in resilience and social skills, all making new friends.

With Henriksen having influenced and changed many lives, his friends and family wanted to honour his memory – and so Dan’s Jam was born.

Event co-ordinator Ivyk’nivey Bates ran previous jams with Henriksen and at the time of his death had been planning another.

“We never got to do it, so Dan’s Jam replaces that, so we can celebrate what he started.

“I am working to make this an annual event for the youth and the community to engage and enjoy,” Bates said.

Dan’s Jam will roll this Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Two food trucks, Arohaina and Berry Boys, will provide refreshments, while 1XX will take care of the MC duties and music.

The event welcomes wheels of all types, including BMX bikes, roller skates, scooters and skateboards, with each having its own jam session throughout the day from noon.

The day will start with a have-a-go session, with coaches, equipment and professionals on hand to guide anyone wanting to find out what wheeled sports are all about.

There will also be plenty of prizes up for grabs, giving participants the chance to learn new skills while having fun.