FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, CJ’S SKATEPARK (A NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION)

“Jay’s philanthropic work has been acknowledged in many editorial articles, letters of praise and with numerous awards including three medals – the Diamond Jubilee Medal from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, recognizing individuals who, through exceptional long-term efforts, have made outstanding contributions to their communities, and the Order of International Ambassadors Medal.”

(ADMINISTRATOR)

(INSTRUCTOR & TEAM RIDER)

Andre Young has been skateboarding since he was 6 years old at CJ’s SKATEPARK in Toronto, which moved to its current Mississauga location in 2018.

In his 17 years of skateboarding, Andre’s specialty and passion is vert skating, however he is a skilled rider who can ride any obstacle and teach in any discipline – street, park and vert. He has a natural ability to master anything, and keeps active through his own personal stretching and training programs.

As a certified skateboard instructor with the ISCP (International Skateboard Certification Program & SKATZ (Stance, Kicks, Axels, Transfers and Zen), Andre has the skill, passion and dedication to teach and coach anyone at any age level and deliver top-level camp programs through CJ’s SKATEPARK. He has taught young kids as young as 5 years old, given adult lessons, and trained Pro Athletes. Andre’s goal and intention for his lessons is to deliver them in a fun, safe, and professional manner.

Andre is a professional vert skateboarder and has competed professionally in many contests in Canada and throughout the USA where he has placed in the top 5 every time. Andre has even performed vert demos for Tony Hawk both here in Toronto and Montreal.

Andre’s sponsors include: Moonshine Skateboards, Speedlab Wheels, Roadkill Hardware, Superfly Speed Bull Bearings, Burly Caps & CJ’s SKATEPARK.

Andre’s dynamic skills and teaching style can take any skateboarder to the next level, grow their abilities and confidence.

“I have personal worked with Andrew since he was 6 years old and have seen him become one of the best skaters in North
America. We guarantee you will not be disappointed with Andre’s teaching ability.”
– Jay Mandarino President & CEO of CJ’s SKATEPARK

(SENIOR SCOOTER INSTRUCTOR)

Troy Alexander Panelli is an 18-year-old former pro-level scooter rider, bodybuilder, sales manager, black belt in taekwondo, and an all-around super motivated and driven individual. He has been riding since 2014, marking this year as his ninth year riding. Although he is relatively young, his age is secondary to his vast knowledge gained from his years of experience riding at a high level, learning all there is to know about scooters, parts, and the culture, and his overall willingness to gain knowledge and as many new skills as possible.

He has been riding at Cj’s skatepark since 2018, and he believes that his time spent as a long-time customer and user, combined with his pre-existing skills, can provide a fresh perspective and insights to help take the scooter side of the business to the next level. As he mentioned, he is highly motivated and competitive and he loves to be in situations of high stress that force him to excel. He is young and wants nothing more than to help the next generation of young riders, learn in a new work environment, and prove himself.