Uplifting the community through skateboarding

Underpinning the actual world championship skateboarding event is the Skateboarding for Hope community outreach initiative, which was specifically aimed at introducing the youth of South Africa to skateboarding as a healthy, affordable and accessible lifestyle alternative.

Last year, Skateboarding for Hope took to the roads of South Africa in the 10-month lead up to the MMC skateboarding world championships held in Kimberley in September/October 2011. The initiative travelled to many of South Africa's nine provinces, including previously untapped areas such as Soweto and the Namaqualand to establish an extensive national footprint for the sport of skateboarding. Skateboarding for Hope activations saw communities being introduced to skateboarding through free skateboarding clinics and demonstrations, promotional give-aways and talent scouting.

Statistics

Statistics released by Boogaloos, a large independent skateboarding retailer in South Africa, has shown that sales have increased 10% year on year, which is a good indication of the growth in popularity of skateboarding in the country.

Vice-president of Maloof Skateboarding Tim McFerran mentioned that they were surprised by how quickly skateboarding is taking off across the country. "Skateboarding can be a true metaphor for life. Anyone can succeed as long as they put in the time and persevere. There is a great life lesson to be learnt - it does not matter how many times you get knocked down as long as you rise up again."

The 2012 Skateboarding for Hope tour is currently in full swing with activations happening from the Valley of a 1000 Hills in KwaZulu Natal to Cape Town.