A while back, when the conversation of high levels of racial inequity in South African sports teams was being debated and argued, many in the skateboarding scene were trying to have their own voice added in the mix – but no one listened.

Perhaps it was because skaters have a name for being a public nuisance, smoking weed, messing up edges of concrete or riding into an unsuspecting victims after a trick falls short.

Whatever the case may be, South Africa’s skate scene is more diverse than many other sports – and it could be because of initiatives like Skateisan.

Online publication Highsnobiety took the time to check out the non-profit based in Johannesburg. Using skateboarding for youth empowerment, the award-winning organisation has international reach. According to Highsnobiety:

This is Skateistan’s fourth facility; the organisation already runs programs at Skate Schools in Afghanistan and Cambodia. Currently, they reach more than 1,500 at-risk youth aged 5 to 17 each week around the world.

Since 2014, Skateistan has been active in Johannesburg, running sessions at outreach locations and with partner organisations. Through the skate school, Skateistan will provide programs to even more youth in the Central Business District area of Johannesburg, South Africa.

You see, not only does the documentary follow the journey of 25-year-old educator Daniel, but also celebrates the opening of a skate school, featuring Tony Hawk:

This new permanent Skate School will be a safe space for local youth, with a particular focus on girls and low- income youth. Students have the opportunity to play and learn as part of the Skate and Create program, or access homework help and career advice as part of the Back-To-School program.

There you have, let’s check it out:

Now that’s pretty sweet.

[source:highsnobiety]