By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
They call themselves 3Square Skate Boarders. The name comes from the fact they learned how to skate at 3Square sports facility.
The boys recently participated in the event in Soweto and won.
“We won the competition because we do a lot of practicing,” says Valentine Mamabolo, 3Square Skate Park member.
“Our aim is to motivate the kids so that they can have hope, “Valentine says, adding that they always skate at the park because they don’t have a facility in Alex.
“When you skate down the street, the law enforcement officers remove you. So when we’re in the park, we’re trying to avoid that.”
Valentine says there are more than 60 members and that most of the won awards.
“I and Blue (Nkomonde) received certificates and trophies this past week at Soweto.”
Blue said: “We started skating in 2012. And we have participated in several competitions. We demonstrated the skating abilities we have here in Alex.
“We want to grow here in Alex. We want others to be involved as well and to be positive about their lives.
So that they can stay away from drugs, alcohol, parties and bad things and all negativities,” he said.
The passionate boys said that it takes time to master skateboarding.
“But the good part is that you can enjoy that feeling. As long as you have a skateboard and you’re always staring at it at home, I don’t think you’re going to miss a day without skating. Because it’s nice.
“Because of this, they know us in Cape Town, Kimberly, Durban…if you mention 3Square, they know us,” said Blue.
Blue explained that skateboarding has had a positive impact on their lives because they are not committing the crime.
“Our aim is to build an academy for skateboarding in our township.”
The boys, whose gear is worn out, were promised sponsorship by people who came and disappeared into the air.
“Please, help us so that our dream will come true,” Blue says.
Contact them on 068 230 1951 /073 973 6065.