European Version Of X Games Coming To Denver

DENVER (CBS4) - Professional BMX and skateboarding athletes have arrived in Denver to welcome the European version of the X Games.

The Festival International Des Sports Extremes (FISE) started in France in 1997.

"This is an event that looks a lot like Denver. Actually, the personality is pretty close to it," said Matthew Payne, Executive Director of the Denver Sports Commission. "We've been working on this for quite some time and we've always thought Denver was the right spot for that U.S. stop for FISE, and it's coming to fruition, so we're happy."

The actual games won't be until Labor Day weekend.

The event has since grown and attracts more than 2,000 athletes.