Skateboarders of Amman create community skatepark for Syrian refugee children (VIDEO)

A close-knit community of 30 skateboarders, and growing, has received permission from the municipality of Amman to build the country’s first skatepark, to be called 7Hills.

7Hills’ goal is to make skateboarding available to the whole community, particularly youth at risk and Syrian refugees, whose numbers in Jordan are estimated to be 619,000 (as of August 2014)—more than half of whom are children. 7Hills describes their objective as providing “under-served refugee youth in Jordan with an accessible outlet for socializing and physical activity.” To forward these efforts, the skatepark will feature loaner skateboards, available free of charge, along with free lessons.

Arne Hillerns is a member of the core group and leader in the NGO Make Life Skate Life, which promotes skateboarding around the world. “A loaner system will be established with the possibility of ‘earning’ a board. That way we’ll ensure that we’ll also get those started who can’t afford boards,” he explains. “We plan to target and engage youth at risk (among) Syrian refugees,” noting that in partnership with the nonprofit organization ACTED, which is active in Jordan’s 80,000 person Zaatari refugee camp, they will bring a skateboarding program for Syrian children next week.

Original article by Maya Norton

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Skateboarders of Amman create community skatepark for Syrian refugee children (VIDEO)