Contact: Craig Chastain, 503-614-1554, craig.chastain@palau.org

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif., Oct. 14 /Christian Newswire/ -- One of the most diverse action sports events ever staged in southern California brought skateboarding, BMX riding and freestyle motocross to Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park on Saturday, October 13th. A crowd of over 5000 attended the Livin It® Orange County Festival that featured extreme sports action along with live music, children's activities, and inspirational Christian messages from a number of speakers including world evangelist Andrew Palau.

Headlining the activities were freestyle motorcycle pro Kyle Loza, a gold medalist in the 2007 X Games, and the Riders for Christ FMX team; legendary skateboarder Christian Hosoi and the Boarders for Christ skate team; the Stunt Dudes BMX team; and professional surfer and author Bethany Hamilton. Music came from musical artists Braddigan, Josh Garrels, 540 and Type Nine: The all-day, free event concluded with the world premiere screening of Walking on Water, a new film produced and directed by professional surfer and filmmaker Brian Jennings.

"We were blessed with beautiful southern California weather, an amazing show by the athletes, a world class movie premiere, and great support from the churches," said Andrew Palau. "This festival format of action sports, music and family fun has provided a wonderful setting to celebrate the power of faith and God's love."

The Livin It skate ramps were packed with decision-makers after Palau and Hosoi made separate invitations to follow Jesus Christ. Palau, son of world evangelist and author Luis Palau, has shared the Gospel on four continents in the past year; Hosoi, a former world champion skateboarder, is a pastor in the southern California area.

The Orange County Festival was presented by the Livin It® Alliance, a national association of faith-based action sport teams, in cooperation with the Luis Palau Association and dozens of area churches. Corporate support came from Truth Soul Armor, Wahoos, Jedidiah, In the Dirt, and C-28. Livin It Alliance teams have performed throughout the U.S. for crowds of 50,000 and more, and at international events from Fiji to Great Britain. Andrew Palau will join them when they take their action sports show to Cairo, Egypt in early November.

For further information on the Livin It ministry visit www.livinit.com and www.palau.org.

Interviews available - contact Craig Chastain craig.chastain@palau.org