“The programme presents local youngsters with a healthy, affordable and accessible lifestyle alternative and the chance to become part of the fastest growing sport in the country”
KIMBERLEY will be abuzz with skateboarding activities as people from across the country as well as other countries attend the Kimberley Diamond Cup (KDC).
The event is said to feature high-ranking skaters from across the world.
The MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Maruping Lekwene, said the event has, since its inception, placed Kimberley on the map as a skating destination.
“The KDC will feature 26 international athletes and 64 national athletes. The provincial government is confident that owning its own brand of competitive skateboarding will open a number of lucrative opportunities to further stimulate local economic development and the tourism industry in the Province,” Lekwene said.
“We also find it very encouraging that the organisers added additional contests to the event’s line-up and that we are reaching so many countries. We are especially happy to welcome the contingent of female skaters and participants from BMX and FMX shows.
Lekwene said the event also seek to address some of the socio-economic challenges in the Province.
“As a way of combating socio-economic problems affecting the youth, Skateboarding for Hope
Will present road shows with skateboarding clinics. The Skateboarding for Hope initiative was launched by the Northern Cape provincial government to offer our youths the opportunity to challenge themselves mentally and physically.
“The programme presents local youngsters with a healthy, affordable and accessible lifestyle alternative and the chance to become part of the fastest growing sport in the country,” he said.
The project manager of the Department of Tourism, Sipho Mampe, said that the event will boost the economy of the city.
“We expect that the event will attract participants and supporters from Southern Africa, Africa and the world and will result in an immense influx of visitors during the coming week, fully booked flights and accommodation as well as a significant economic boost for retailers and the hospitality industry,” said Mampe.
He said skating facilities were built in other parts of the Province as a means of developing a passion for the sport.
Mampe added that the festivities will kick-off on a musical note this coming Friday.
“The KDC events will kick off at 7pm on December 5, 2019 with an opening concert involving of national and local artists,” said Mampe.
