Kumba makes skateboarding a positive lifestyle alternative in the Northern Cape

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Kumba makes skateboarding a positive lifestyle alternative in the Northern Cape

Anglo American’s Kumba Iron Ore business has teamed up with Skateboarding for Hope to create two unique skateboarding events in the Northern Cape, on 20 and 21 September 2013 in Postmasburg and Kathu respectively. In partnership with the Northern Cape Provincial Government, through its Skateboarding for Hope community outreach initiative, Kumba Iron Ore will be travelling throughout the province to spread a message of skateboarding as a positive lifestyle alternative among the youth.

The road show forms part of the run-up to the Kimberley Diamond Cup (KDC) world skateboarding championships presented by Kumba Iron Ore taking place in Kimberly at the end of September. These activations include skateboarding demonstrations and clinics during which top local and international skaters will teach novice skateboarders basic skills.

Johann van Schalkwyk, project manager for KDC, notes that the Skateboarding for Hope road show is a unique modern and innovative empowerment vehicle.

“It is fun public service and we don’t just hand over a skateboard and say goodbye. We will have experienced skateboarders on hand to help kids get comfortable on their new boards.”

60 world-class skateboards will be available to these novice skaters and this will also be an opportunity to identify talented skaters, whose potential can be improved with further development and training. In addition, fantastic accolades and substantial prize money will be up for grabs for the best trick of the day and spectators will win great promotional gear in the lucky draws.

Van Schalkwyk further shares that the Skateboarding for Hope roadshow is designed to improve the lives of children in impoverished communities by introducing them to the sport of skateboarding, as it is one of the most affordable sports in South Africa. Skateboarding is also one of the most exciting and fastest growing sports in the country at the moment and has captured the heart of South Africa’s youth population.

“Previously, we have received positive feedback from the communities. In fact, the Northern Cape alone has produced some 4,000 skaters over the last two years. As such, it is evident that this partnership between Kumba Iron Ore and local government is assisting the province in its endeavours to establish the Northern Cape as a premier extreme sports destination.”

Norman Mbazima, Kumba Iron Ore CEO, concludes that the company’s involvement with the Kimberley Diamond Cup and the Skateboarding for Hope initiative is not only about the social development of youth in the Northern Cape but about creating partnerships that are meaningful and impactful.

“This initiative is about partnering with government to benefit the broader Northern Cape communities and making sure that there is tangible change and development. The sterling job produced by this initiative is aligned with our strategy to make a real difference to Northern Cape’s socio-economic growth through providing the youth with a positive alternative lifestyle and the means to be active citizens.

“We are, therefore, delighted to be able to support this life-changing initiative as it ensures maximum local benefits such as job creation, economic development, entrepreneurship, tourism, destination awareness, sport, skills transfer, youth development and beautification of communities.”

Event Details:

Postmasburg
Venue: Postmasburg Town Hall
Date: 20 September 2013
Day: Friday
Time: 11:00 – 15:00

Kathu
Venue: Kalahari Golf Club
Date: 21 September 2013
Day: Saturday
Time: 09:00 – 14:00

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