K-Rob Helps Bring X-Games Action to YMCA Campers

The 2011 X-Games wrapped up this weekend, and East Providence professional BMX rider Kevin Robinson was there as one of the commentators, joining skateboarding superstar Tony Hawk, and other action sports stars in California.

Robinson is the uncle of Steven Fontes, an instructor at the , which is offering an Extreme Sports program for the first time this year. Fontes is proud of his uncle's participation in the new option, which teaches both BMX and skateboarding skills as part of the Bayside's summer camp program.

The K-Rob Foundation, started last year by Robinson, donated money that helped fund the ramps used for the program. Now, Fontes is teaching his young charges the tips and tricks to take their BMX skills to the next level.

Fontes said the opportunity for kids to try out the program is all about discovering their interests, and challenging themselves.

“If a kid's never had ballet lessons, they don't know if they'll like it,” he said. “This is another outlet for kids to discover an ability.”

YMCA camper Alex Galuszka said he'd ridden his bike in his neighborhood, but never had the chance to try out ramps before.

“I'm actually getting some air on them,” he said, adding that he enjoyed the weightless feeling when that happened.

This is the first year that the Extreme Sports option is being offered by the Bayside YMCA, part of new camp director Michael Squatrito's effort to provide opportunities for kids who are physically and mentally challenged.

For Fontes, who has been riding BMX for seven years, the sport “is about staying active and having fun." He said he hopes to develop that same spirit in the kids he coaches.