Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page!

Over the month of October 2017, I will be traveling to Palestine to volunteer and be a part of the charity SkatePal. Whilst I'm there I'll be helping teach skateboarding to the local young people and help with the maintenance of the skatepark built by the charity in 2015, situated in the northern West Bank village of Asira Al-Shamaliya. I will also be working creatively and encouraging an exchange of photographs and artwork between myself and the locals, documenting the scene and helping to promote the charity and skateboarders.

Before travelling I'm raising funds for the charity that will not only help them accommodate the volunteers while staying in Palestine but also help with the upkeep of the skatepark and to provide the children with skateboarding and safety equipment.

Why Palestine?
• More than half of all Palestinians living in the occupied territories are under 21 years old, yet there are relatively few opportunities for young people to participate in sporting activities.

• The nature of the Israeli occupation means that many children get caught up in the conflict, and often spend their teenage years behind bars. Childhood comes to an end much sooner, and young people are forced to become adults at an earlier age than elsewhere in the world.

• The occupation has bred a feeling of powerlessness and disillusionment, particularly amongst young people in Palestine. Providing opportunities to have fun within the safety of their local community is critical in order for young people to lead an enjoyable life within the occupied territories, where movement is very restricted.

• In a part of the world where rights to ownership of land are such a key issue, the act of skateboarding and building permanent skateparks has particular significance.

• Palestinian skateboarders do not have access to the professionally-built skate facilities that exist all over Israel. Furthermore, they cannot visit any of the multiple skateboard shops which are on the Israeli side of the wall.

Why Skateboarding?
• Skateboarding is one of the most inclusive sports in the world. It instantly dissolves barriers between class, race, age and gender. Skateboarding engages youth, relieves stress and helps to build confidence.

• Skateboarding isn’t hierarchical - it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a professional, a child or an adult. Skateboarding is fun for all ages.

• Skateboarding teaches self-discipline, determination and respect for others, whilst promoting health and wellbeing.

• Through skateboarding an individual is able to create a stronger sense of self worth and social identity. Alongside this, skateboarding as a group activity contributes to a shared sense of ownership of space.

• Skateparks provide a safe environment for young people to practise and creatively express themselves without obstructing others. This is gives parents peace of mind, knowing that their children are playing somewhere safe and secure.

• Skateparks create positive and vibrant community hubs for all members of society.

Any donations for this amazing cause are much needed and greatly appreciated! £200 is needed as a minimum amount to raise, with all additional donations helping to pay for flights, and all else going back into the charity to help with all of the amazing work they do. 

Thank you! 

Sam/blinky x

More information about the charity and its past projects - http://www.skatepal.co.uk/