Participants in the Kimberley Diamond Cup Grandslam Tour described skateboarding as not just a sport. They find it healing and free and see it as a sense of belonging.

This weekend the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism hosted the Free State leg of its nationwide tour of the competition at Thaba Nchu.

The aim is to empower youth and to showcase their talent and skills.

The competition is open to all African skaters across the continent. At least 60 skaters participated in the Free State leg of the competition.

This regional skateboarding competition serves as a build-up to the world-renowned Kimberley Diamond Cup Finals taking place next month.

The Kimberley Diamond Cup project manager, Andile Mlawu, says they work towards reviving skateboarding in Africa. They want to revamp the country’s skate parks to meet the international standards.

Mlawu says the program has produced Olympians and champions for international stages.

“When it comes to sports, we needed something that is extreme; therefore, that is why we chose skateboarding. I think from 2011 we have many achievements when it comes to this particular program. I can also mention that we got stars that have participated in this program, international stars that have participated in this program. So further, what we have been able to do with the competition is that we have been able to spread it through the rural parts of the province and the Skateboarding for Hope program, where we go to communities, we appoint coaches, and we give resources—all of that.”

For some, skateboarding has been a life-changing experience, as Thabang Ramohaladi explains, “What inspires me the most about skateboarding is how extreme it is. It gets me outside of my comfort zone. I think it is the best sport for me. I find healing, I release pressure, I find life in skateboarding. Skateboarding is my life.”

Ntokozo Mono wants to see more girls joining the sport. “I started skating five years ago; it’s been on and off. I started skating because my aunt was a skater, so I fell in love with the skating community when I would watch her go skating with her friends, and the reason I kept going with skating is because the money is good and also it’s rare to find a female skateboarding, especially where I come from.”

The next leg of the Kimberley Diamond Cup will be in Durban next week.