‘Skateistan’ - A New Afghan Republic?

By Sumayyah Meehan

January 7, 2010

A lesson in economic diversity and universal brotherhood is in full swing in one of the most barren and war-ravaged countries in the world. The city of Kabul, in Afghanistan, is the site of an urban revolution that is changing just as many hearts as it is minds, to bring both Afghan’s rich and poor together in the spirit of skateboarding.

According to Reuters, what began almost two years ago as a barren plot of land marked off and cleared to teach Afghan youths how to skateboard has now morphed into a state of the art skate park lovingly called ‘Skateistan’. The giant indoor skating arena boasts various ramps, slopes and jumps that have Afghan kids from every socioeconomic class, and gender, ‘fishtailing’ just as well as their Western counterparts. And the walls of the skate park are bedazzled with the logos of corporate sponsors in a way that only western capitalism can sparkle.

In Afghanistan, gender inequality has often barred girls from participating in sports, as boys have always been considered superior as sportsmen. However, when it comes to skateboarding at least, girls reign supreme alongside their male compatriots. Afghan girls and boys are learning to perform brain-stirring skateboard stunts and tricks, side by side at the park.

The doors of Skateistan remain wide open for any Afghan child interested in learning about the curious new sport that has kids teetering on four tiny wheels and a pretty flimsy board. Admission is free and all of the equipment, from helmets to skateboards, is also provided free of charge. The skate park is able to stay in business thanks to a $650,000 donation and support from the Afghan Olympic Committee who have provided the land, water, electricity and a security force necessary to keep it operational. Skateboarders can focus on perfecting their craft without worrying about outside forces interrupting their lessons.

Once the skateboarders put their skateboards away, they also have an opportunity to receive an education. The skate park offers free classes in English and Computer literacy.

Located at the rear of the skate park is a fully functioning classroom complete with desks, books, paper and pencils.

Source: Reuters