The excitement surrounding skateboarding continues to build during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Skateboarding rapidly evolved from a fad during its first boom in the 1960s, to the center of mainstream youth culture in the early 2000s. Skateboarding is as much an art as it is a sport; the fun and freedom of expression bestowed on those willing to step on a board is rewarding for all, regardless of ability, age, gender, socio-economic status, or ethnicity.
Preparations for Paris 2024
World Skate has done a lot of preparation for its second Olympic Games in Paris, following the success of skateboarding's debut in Tokyo 2020, with street and park events. We were part of the Road to Paris championship for street skateboarders (World Street Skateboarding Rome 2022) that started at the iconic skatepark in Colle Oppio right before the Colosseum in Rome, in 2022, and then we had our athletes competing in Tokyo, Lausanne, San Juan, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ostia, a district in Rome. Over the last four years, the level of competitions has increased exponentially, and we look forward to an amazing show at the Place de la Concorde, the venue of all the urban sports disciplines (Basketball 3×3, BMX Freestyle, Breaking, Skateboarding Street and Skateboarding Park) for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Maintaining Momentum Post-Olympics
The inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics has undoubtedly boosted its popularity. World Skate plans to sustain this momentum through various means. Skateboarding has a history that spans different generations, and today it mainly excites the very young and families. Both figures on social media and the number of athletes' followers show a steady growth. Our goal is to continue, through the World Skateboarding Tour, to bring this sport to the center of cities, among young people. The competition facilities will be left to the host cities as a legacy for local communities. In this way, the sport grows and so does its popularity in every corner of the globe.
Engaging the Youth
The accessibility, urban appeal, and inclusivity of skateboarding have contributed to its growing popularity among young people. Young kids watch the world champions, are inspired by the athletes' skills, and buy skateboards. They begin to try and train their tricks, and if they have a skatepark near their homes – in addition to their dedication – they may become the champions of the future. The skateboarding community is also inclusive and always supportive; skaters support each other and encourage each other. It is a sport full of unique values, and this attracts young people and those that observe this sport from the outside.
Reference(s):
Skateboarding in Olympics: Encouraging the youth, embracing the future
cgtn.com
