With a focus on empowering local youth, fostering talent, and building a stronger community, the event stood out as a beacon of inspiration for Kimberley and the greater Northern Cape region.
The Kimberley Skate Park recently became a hive of activity and celebration as the Skateboarding for Hope Finale, a cornerstone event of the Kimberley Diamond Cup (KDC), concluded on Saturday, December 7.
With a focus on empowering local youth, fostering talent, and building a stronger community, the event stood out as a beacon of inspiration for Kimberley and the greater Northern Cape region.
The Skateboarding for Hope Finale festivities began on December 6 with a dynamic media launch attended by MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Venus Blennies-Magage.
In her address, MEC Blennies-Magage emphasised that the Kimberley Diamond Cup represents far more than skateboarding – it symbolises the resilience, creativity, and potential of the Northern Cape. “This event showcases our province’s ability to inspire youth, uplift small businesses, and shine on the global stage,” she remarked.
The day continued with a community-focused movie night, creating opportunities for participants to bond and connect. Guests enjoyed wors rolls and participated in interactive skateboarding clinics led by seasoned skaters, setting the tone for the grand finale.
The finale drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 100 spectators, along with 40 competitors and 57 children who participated in a foundational skate clinic. The clinic, facilitated by experienced skaters, provided personalised mentorship to budding skateboarders, emphasising balance, basic tricks, and confidence-building.
As part of the event’s commitment to nurturing young talent, 40 skateboards were gifted to standout participants, recognising their creativity, effort, and potential. This gesture not only rewarded their hard work but also encouraged them to continue pursuing skateboarding as a passion and skill.
The event showcased various competition categories that highlighted the skill, creativity, and determination of participants:
Beginner Open Jam (Females): Shanaaz claimed 1st place, taking home R5,000.
Beginner Open Jam (Males): Mikyle secured 1st place and R3,000.
Intermediate Open Jam (Males): Khaya emerged victorious, winning R5,000.
One of the event’s most exciting segments, the Best Trick Challenge, kept audiences on the edge of their seats as participants executed impressive and innovative tricks.
The display of technical skills and creativity exemplified the immense talent present within the community.
During the prize-giving ceremony, MEC Nontobeko Vilakazi of Social Development and Sport, Arts, and Culture praised the event’s success. She stated, “We have reached the end of a successful Skateboarding for Hope Finals, and we look forward to an exciting Grand Slam programme commencing in January 2025.”
MEC Vilakazi also highlighted the broader objectives of the Skateboarding for Hope initiative, which goes beyond competition to address critical social issues. By engaging youth in positive activities like skateboarding, the programme aims to steer them away from challenges such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence.
Through sport, the initiative instills discipline, teamwork, and resilience, equipping young people with the tools and mindsets to overcome daily challenges and strive for brighter futures.
Meanwhile, the Skateboarding for Hope Finale made a significant impact not only on participants but also on the local economy.
The event employed 45 local staff members and boosted Kimberley’s hospitality and tourism sectors. With extensive coverage on radio, podcasts, and social media platforms, the event also positioned Kimberley as a hub for sports and community events, showcasing its vibrancy to a wider audience.
Despite the challenges posed by extreme heat, the event successfully brought the community together, inspiring a new generation of skaters and fostering a sense of unity.
The Kimberley Diamond Cup team expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the community, participants, and sponsors for their unwavering support.
As the Skateboarding for Hope Finale concludes, excitement builds for the Grand Slam programme set to begin in January 2025. With its commitment to empowering youth and nurturing local talent, the Kimberley Diamond Cup continues to pave the way for meaningful change in the Northern Cape and beyond.
