40 years ‘and still on a roll’

ROLLERWAY Skate Centre is inviting everyone to join in on its 21st birthday celebrations this year.
Birthday parties, roller-skating, rollerblading, in-line roller hockey and an indoor skate park are just a few of the activities that people of all ages can experience.
The venue has been a skating centre for almost 40 years, with business owner Raul Aparicio taking over Rollerway from his parents 21 years ago.
Raul comes from a family of experienced skaters – his grandfather was a skate mechanic and both parents were champion ice and roller skaters.
“My dad was also a speed skater – he was involved in the early days of skating in Geelong,” Raul says.
Raul, who represented Australia in the 2014 Inline Hockey Oceania Championships, says running such a diverse business presents “many amazing elements”.
“From importing skates to online sales to running birthday parties and coaching new skaters, there are so many interesting things, but one of the most fascinating things is seeing turbulent teenagers grow into respectable young adults and parents themselves.
“They come in to skate and we guide them and nurture their sporting interests”.
“Seeing these kids progress is very rewarding – I’ve seen so many success stories and at the same time I’ve been so privileged to live the life of a professional sportsman for decades and I can now share that with so many other skating families who also support the centre.”
The business also has three generations competing in Australian National Inline Hockey Championships this year.
Rollerway Skate Centre is at 6-8 Lambert Ave, Newtown, phone 0411 33 55 44 or visit rollerway.com.au for more information and opening times.