Tanauan, Leyte -- The skimriders of Tanauan, Leyte bagged the first three places in the 2nd Nasugbo National Skimboarding Competition held at the Nasugbo, Batangas beach on Sunday, April 19.

This was learned from Tanauan Mayor Roque A. Tiu who accompanied the Tanauan skimboarders in the national competition.

Brando Espada of Tanauan bagged the championship trophy and a cash prize of P10,000. Another Tanauananon, Leo Espada, got the 2nd prize trophy and a cash prize of P7,000, while Dariel Espada won the 3rd prize trophy and the cash prize of P4,000.

Mayor Tiu cited the Tanauan skimmers who showed their best forms and were not intimidated by the other participants who are skimboarding enthusiasts from Manila, Zambales and Batangas.

The Tanauan riders are cousins, Mayor Tiu said. They will serve as role models to the other youngsters of Tanauan. Because of skimboarding, they are able to go places.

In Tanauan, skimboarding is the past time sports of the young people specially those who live along the coastal barangays, Mayor Tiu disclosed.

The Tanauan riders joined the national competition upon the invitation of Nasugbo Mayor Tony Barcelon.

"I took the opportunity to promote the Skimboarding Competition in Tanauan come April 28 and come December 2009," Mayor Tiu said.

The skimboarders from Nasugbo will participate in the Skimboarding competition in Tanauan on April 28 while the riders from Batangas, Manila and Zambales will join the December Skim Competition, Mayor Tiu added.

Mayor Tiu said that he will continue to promote skimboarding as a water sports for young people because he finds it safer. It also makes young people aware of and take care of the ocean and the environment. They do not want to make it dirty because it is their paradise, Mayor Tiu said.

Mayor Tiu said that because of skimboarding, out of school youth in Tanauan were encouraged to go back to school.

This is because Mayor Tiu does not allow them to join competitions if they are not enrolled.