Local skaters eye Tokyo 2020 Olympics qualification

Skaters from around Kenya under the Skate Nation umbrella are calling upon the Government for support decrying lack of facilities and structure to entrench the discipline as an established sport.

The locals are aiming to qualify for the next edition of the Summer Games after skateboarding was endorsed for the 2020 Olympics by the International Olympics Committee on Thursday.

The group hailed the news saying it will give their craft that is considered largely a pastime activity as opposed to a professional sport.

The skateboarders are confident Olympics inclusion will help in weeding out the negativity surrounding the discipline paving way for amateur skateboarders who would like to venture into the sport.

United States International University Bachelor of Finance student, Tony Ovayo says the ill perception is their main motivation.

“People deem the sport dirty and unruly but I believe skateboarding is a game like any other and skateboarders should be given the chance to showcase their talent.

“Skateboarding is about skill and most of the time we use the negativity we get conducting our training in trying to perfect our skills and proving our critics wrong,” he said at Communication Centre when they came to feature on Citizen TV Power Breakfast show.

“County Askaris (Directorate of County Inspection officers) have been giving us a hard time when we try to train in the city square with Nairobi’s Uhuru Park our best ground, “the first year student added.

The group stressed Government has deserted them with the lack of boards and proper mentorship their key requirement.

“This forces us to support ourselves with one incurring a lot of costs when trying to acquire equipment and it would be my wish if the Government intervenes and give us the opportunity to acquire more skateboards.

“It should also start programmes where young skaters can be incorporated with proper trainers in place to guide all aspiring to be great in the sport,” Paul Mwangi his Skate Nation colleague.

The group has urged young skaters to register with them as they seek to expand their boundaries.

With the help of youth empowerment initiatives like Blaze, Skate Nation has created awareness campaigns to educate and invite others to the sport.

They will now shift their focus on the 2020 Olympic Games as they try to overcome all odds with a qualification for the tournament in sight for them.