NICEVILLE — The Emerald Coast Challenge Rodeo and Skills Training, an annual motorcycle skills event, is next week.
Hosted by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and the Emerald Coast Blue Knights FLXXV, it is April 16-18 in the Santa Rosa Mall parking lot, 300 Mary Esther Blvd., Mary Esther.
Divisions include Motor Officer, Motor Officer Advanced, Civilian Expert and Civilian Advanced. Prizes will be awarded to the best riders, and all Motor Officers will receive a certificate for 24 hours' training.
April 16 is a practice day; the competition is April 17 and 18. Any motorcyclist may participate, but motorcycles must be as equipped from the factory and at least 1000cc.
The registration fee is $45 per competitor. Proceeds will benefit the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center, which helps save and heal child abuse survivors in Okaloosa and Walton counties. In 2013, the center served 739 children, according to a media release.
During the event, the OCSO will unveil its new Motor Unit, which includes three police motorcycles provided by Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson. The vehicles will be used in traffic, law enforcement and public events.
Learn more at www.emeraldcoastchallenge.com.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Boost motorcyclist skills, help child abuse survivors next week in Mary Esther