ALL HANDS ON DECK
One of the things we love most about the skateboard community, is their unceasing drive to push the limits and aspire towards creativity in their craft. Having a long time friend and associate who also loves the sport goes a long way in spurring our interest too. Let me introduce to you Adrian Bowen, one of the key leaders of the Barbados Skateboarding Association. He has been pushing the envelope for skateboarding to be acknowledged as a verified, investment worthy sport in Barbados, and may we dare say that his time and energy has paid off. Just a few months ago, Barbados opened its first skateboard park, dubbed the Kaitif Skatepark. After years of constant effort, Adrian and his team were able to stir enough interest to provoke an intervention that provided sponsorship for this great endeavor, and today we celebrate their consistency, passion and fervor to see this through. They have pioneered an opportunity that prepares the way for generations to stand as benefactors of their hard work. Their constant slogan is “We shall not be the last”, and the indeed their is much to be grateful for. So where do we come in? Well….
Adrian also has a passion to conduct courses for kids of all ages to learn the fundamentals of skateboarding, while reflecting on the fundamentals of life. We sat and spoke with him about this initiative, and when we saw his passion to help keep kids out of trouble by embracing them in the local skateboard community, we knew we had to jump in and play some part. Our business has sponsored Adrian’s initiative with five skateboards so far, and we have committed to supplying his signage and branding as things get off the ground. The skateboards will be used by the kids who don’t have enough money to make their own purchase, and will help them begin their journey in the sport. Who knows, a Tony Hawk from the islands may be in the waiting. One thing we really love about this program, is its purpose in keeping our young boys and girls out of drugs, gang recruiting, and similar issues that are often the result of idle hands. If we want to learn more about this initiative, feel free to contact Adrian via the website of the Barbados Skateboarding Association.
Below is a picture of Adrian at the old, skate grounds called The Foundation. It was utilized by many youth and children across the island, as a make shift skate park. It was later demolished late 2018.
