Architecture for Humanity and Nike are proud to announce the first recipient of the GAMECHANGERS funding to Skateistan, based in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s first co-educational skateboarding school was established in May 2007 and offers free skateboarding classes for all youth in Kabul through a team of dedicated international and Afghan volunteers. With funding assistance from a range of funding sources the program is about to build Kabul’s first indoor skate park at Ghazi Stadium.
Skateistan works with young boys and girls between 5 - 17 years from all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. By showing the world happy and healthy Afghan youth, Skateistan hopes to help create a positive voice for Afghan youth locally as well as globally. In addition to kickturns and ollies, the center also aims to provide youth with life skills, and access to arts, culture, health, hygiene instruction.
The allocated funds will be used to construct the skateboard park, designed by Australian design firm by Convic Design. The facility will be built to international standards by IOU Ramps by Khai Kahana. In addition to ramp building, instruction will be provided to build additional schools.
Construction began this week and is expected to be completed in fall 2009. Once finished it will be the largest indoor sports facility in Afghanistan.
In the coming weeks we will announce two further recipients of GAMECHANGERS funding. There are two more rounds of funding available and if you know of a worthy project, upload it today: http://gamechangers.architectureforhumanity.org
Congratulations to all the team at Skateistan and we look forward to seeing the first melon grab in the new park this fall.
