Go Skate Day A Total Success in Kabul

On June 21st, Skateistan held its 3rd annual Go Skateboarding Day event.  This year 180 kids took part - skating across the streets of Kabul in an amazing display of excitment, togetherness, and sport.  Go Skateboarding Day is an international holiday dedicated to celebration of the sport around the globe.  As Skateistan students first trickled, then poured out of the park gates and on to the road, bursting through the attendant ranks of photographers, officials and police, nothing could have stopped them.

Some skated, some sat and were pushed by a friend and others ran, awaiting their turn. Regardless of how they handled the 1.6km route, they smiled and laughed all the way. It was difficult to tell what surprised onlookers more, the magical wheeled boards or simply the speeding clusters of boys and girls dressed in flowing, coloured rainbows of Afghan clothing. Gentle nods sent the happy spectacle on its way, as life returned to normal in its wake. Click below for more photos and links...

Finally, dusty and triumphant, the skaters stormed back into their park for a celebratory contest to the beat of Afghan dul drums. The boys’ contest was won by Mohammad Bilal Mir Bat Zai, 15, who is disabled and skates by sitting on his board with crossed legs. The girls’ contest winner, Hanifa, 14, works on the street along with her younger sister. It was clear to see the high spirits of all who participated in Go Skate Day Kabul, who, without exception, could feel proud of who they are and what they represent.

Both Afghan and international media have covered the event in detail. Click to see coverage by BBC, Associated Press and MSNBC.

For media enquiries contact media@skateistan.org.