SKATEBOARDER ON HOW HIS SPORTS CHARITY HAVE TRA
The war-torn West Bank is the last place on earth you would expect to find a group of skater kids but, thanks to Scotland- based charity SkatePal, boarding has become the country’s most popular sport.
Everywhere you look, children in the occupied territories are freewheeling over ramps and jumps and enjoying a freedom and normality many never dreamed was possible.
Since founding the non- prof it organisation five years ago, Charlie Davis, of Edinburgh, has brought the thrill and excitement of skateboarding to hundreds of Palestinian youngsters.
As well as building skate parks and providing boards and other equipment, SkatePal’s army of volunteers cruise the streets on their boards, encouraging young people to come to workshops.
Cha r l ie, 31, who ha s been skateboarding since he was 14, said: “You just have to see the joy on the faces of the kids to realise just what a release skateboarding is for them.
“Growing up in the shadow of the wall and with the threat of conflict never far away, many haven’t had a childhood as the occupation has bred a feeling of powerlessness and being trapped.
“With no extra activities around, children get involved in things they probably should stay away from, like protesting and drugs. Skateboarding is a way to alleviate this and save them from violence.
“Parents are also delighted by the skate parks because they know where their kids are if the Israelis launch an attack or fighting breaks out between the Palestinian factions. They know we will keep them safe.” He added: “More than half of all Palestinians living in the occupied territories are under 21 years old. Yet for many young people across the West Bank and Gaza, cultural, educational and sporting opportunities are severely limited. I wanted to change this.
“I was keenly aware of the benefits that activities like skateboarding can
have for young people in troubled regions and, inspired by the work of Skateistan – a similar charity in Afghanistan – I set about establishing my own in Palestine.
“We are five years in and it’s going from strength to strength. We have helped build three skate parks and our 60 volunteers, who come from all over the world, run daily workshops from March through to October.”
Charlie is not surprised how powerful the sport is when it comes to breaking down barriers in troubled regions.
He said: “Skateboarding is one of the most inclusive sports in the world. It instantly dissolves barriers between class, race, age and gender. It engages youth, relieves stress and helps to bui ld conf idence and form long- lasting fr w ha of co bo do pr ve an ad w hu pe co to ar