Meet Bellair’s Santa Skater
Queensburgh boasts an edgy Santa Skater who has a heart to help those less fortunate.
CLYDE Graham McLellan has lived his whole life in Bellair.
He began skating at the age of 11, but had to stop after a bad injury when he was 12.
“I dislocated my ankle trying a simple Ollie up a pavement,” he said adding that the most painful part was putting the ankle back into place which caused his bone to break.
“I freaked out when I looked down and saw my foot facing the opposite way to the other so after that, a cast was needed for six months!”
He might well have left skating altogether after his accident but 11 years later, while working as a sports coach at St Henry’s where he matriculated, he picked up a board and started skating again.
“I’ve been skating for like five or six years now and am loving it, especially after losing a lot of weight,” he said.
“It feels great. My favourite trick would probably be the heelflip just cause it looks so karate like when you pop your board kicking out your heel as hard as you can,” he said with a wry smile.
McLellan said he misses the old Queensburgh skate park.
“There are not many skate spots around the neighbourhood, the old park shut down and became a car wash,” he said.
“I wish there was more for kids to do in the area. Even for other kids who like bikes, scooters, or roller-blades, it’s a great way to keep fit as well as an opportunity for those who don’t enjoy ‘normal’ sports.”
McLellan said for him Christmas is a season to share and care with those who have less.
“We are all trying to cope in these times, and many could do with a helping hand.”
He jumped at the opportunity to don a red suit and hat and play Santa the Skater for the Queensburgh News.
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