Tony Hawk skateboards at White House

The Associated Press, Friday, June 19, 2009, 3:26pm (PDT)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Hey kids, don't try this at home.

Professional skateboarder Tony Hawk on Friday took a brief ride at the White House as part of a Father's Day celebration.

Hawk, 41, skated in the grand foyer and the nearby Old Executive Office Building, with the permission of White House officials.

The skateboarding icon, also known for his popular brand of skateboarding video games, posted photos to his Web site and Twitter page.

One photo shows Hawk on his skateboard with his hands in the air in what appears to be a hallway.

"...and here is my exit," he wrote in a message on Twitter, which linked to a picture of him skating. "Supposed to return at noon for the First Fathers event if they let me back in."

Hawk posted other insights from his Washington visit on his Twitter page, telling fans about eating Frosted Flakes cereal inside the gates of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. In another tweet, he says "back at White House, Tweeting live from the Diplomatic Room. Unbelievable."

Hawk joined other dads, athletes and celebrities at a Father's Day forum hosted by President Barack Obama. Celebrity chef Bobby Flay helped man the barbecue grills for a White House picnic for the attendees, which included NBA players Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat and Etan Thomas of the Washington Wizards.

"The Prez addressing all of us fathers before we split up to visit DC charities," Hawk tweeted. "D Wade & Etan T make me feel short."

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On the Web:

http://www.tonyhawk.com/

http://twitter.com/tonyhawk