By: Sueann Wickham
While many Guyanese may have owned a pair of roller skates, the full roller skating experience—complete with the classic oldies and retro music, gliding around with friends, family, or partners—has remained out of reach. In fact, Guyana has never had a roller skating rink or any major roller skating events. Be that as it may, 23-year-old Marlisa Osborne believes it’s not too late to change this. She is on a mission to host “Glide”: Guyana’s first major retro-themed roller skating event.
During her exclusive interview with the Guyana Standard, she shared that the inspiration for Glide emerged from her desire to introduce a fun, fitness-oriented activity to Guyana. “The inspiration behind Glide came from a desire to bring a fun and different activity to Guyana that people of all ages can enjoy,” she noted.
As a fitness enthusiast, Marlisa envisioned an event that would combine physical activity with social interaction and great music. Recognizing a gap in Guyana’s entertainment options, and inspired by the reemergence of roller skating across the world, she saw the potential to fill this void with Glide.
Marlisa’s personal journey with roller skating began relatively recently, sparked by a random interest in the activity. “My journey with roller skating began in my adult years with a random spark of interest,” she recounted. Her uncle’s unwavering support played a significant role in her pursuit, gifting her her first pair of skates and additional pairs to support her dream. This personal experience has fueled her passion for bringing the joy of roller skating to others in her community.
Turning her focus to the event, she noted that attendees of Glide can look forward to a day filled with fun, fitness, and nostalgia. Marlisa said she has carefully curated a Retro Disco theme for the event, aiming to evoke a sense of nostalgia while introducing a novel activity. “Attendees can expect a fun-filled day with friends and family offering a new, unforgettable experience,” she stated.
The event, slated for August 10 at the National Gymnasium will feature classic retro disco music, as well as hits from the 90s and early 2000s, ensuring a lively and engaging atmosphere. To add to the excitement, there will be giveaways, free popcorn, and special prizes for the best retro disco outfits, along with delicious food and beverages from local vendors.
Marlisa hopes that Glide will not only entertain but also foster a sense of connection and joy within the community. “The goal is to create a space where people of all ages can come together, have fun, and experience the thrill of roller skating,” she stated. By introducing roller skating, she aims to inspire a love for this unique activity and build a vibrant community around it.
Noting her journey in bringing Glide to life, Marlisa said it was no small feat. She faced numerous challenges, the most significant being the sourcing of quality roller skating equipment. “Sourcing quality roller skating equipment locally was my biggest challenge since it is uncommon in Guyana,” she explained. To overcome this, she had to source all equipment internationally, dealing with intense shipping costs. Despite these hurdles, Marlisa remained undeterred. She conducted surveys to gauge interest, shared her vision with potential sponsors, and meticulously planned every aspect of the event to ensure its success.
The journey of organizing Glide has been marked by tremendous support from local businesses and the community. Marlisa has received backing from numerous sponsors, including Kai Designs, RD Pros, Pose and Pixels, Tons of Fun, Smile 592 Dental Studio, Safe Space, and Ad Nation. “The community’s enthusiasm has been overwhelming, with many expressing their excitement and spreading the word,” she said. Additionally, businesses like R. Sanmoogan and Sons and the University of Success Bookstore have extended their support by facilitating ticket sales. Her personal network, including friends and family, has also played a crucial role in bringing her vision to life.
Safety is a top priority for Marlisa, especially for those new to roller skating. “Ensuring the safety of all participants, especially beginners, is our top priority,” she emphasized. To achieve this, GlideGY will provide quality equipment and protective gear, conduct safety briefings, and designate areas for different skill levels. A first-aid station staffed with trained personnel will be on-site to handle any minor injuries. Additionally, support staff will be available to assist novice skaters, ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
The success of Glide could pave the way for future events and even a permanent roller skating venue in Guyana, according to the Marlisa. She’s is already thinking ahead, planning to make Glide a recurring event. “We want people to experience the joy and freeing feeling of roller skating regularly,” she revealed. Her vision is to create a sustainable platform for roller skating in Guyana, offering regular opportunities for people to engage in this exciting activity.
Balancing Life and Event Planning
Balancing the demands of organizing GlideGY with her personal life has been challenging for Marlisa, but she has managed it through effective time management and prioritization. “Balancing the two can definitely be challenging. However, setting priorities and managing time helps tremendously,” she shared. Trusting her team and delegating tasks has been crucial, allowing her to maintain a balance between her personal and professional responsibilities. Regular gym sessions, self-care, and setting clear boundaries about work and personal time are essential to her well-being.
For any young person with a dream to bring their passions to life through entrepreneurship or community engagement, Marlisa has simple advice. “I would advise them to start where they are. Too often we get too caught up thinking we do not have enough to start.” She said, identifying one’s passion, conducting thorough research, and developing a solid business plan are essential steps. Networking and finding a suitable mentor can also provide valuable guidance and opportunities. Additionally, she said resilience and commitment to one’s vision are crucial for navigating challenges and achieving success.
For those interested in participating or supporting Glide, details on tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available on their social media pages. You can follow Glide on Instagram at @glidegy and Facebook at @glideguyana. “Sponsors can get involved by reaching out to me directly via email at [email protected] or phone at 712-4023,” Marlisa encouraged.”
With the collective efforts of the community and local businesses, GlideGY promises to be an event that will be remembered and cherished.
