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Skateboarders
The Kimberley Diamond Cup event delivered on its promise of being an epic weekend of skateboarding action, live music, and a much-needed revival of community spirit in the heart of the Northern Cape.
“It means a lot, it can really take us places. Skating is not that impactful here in Kimberley. So this means a lot, for all these skaters coming to Kimberley,” says Skater Kyle Star.
Christopher Slade adds, “It is really cool because this is my first competition. I feel a lot but it’s okay. I learnt from those mistakes. I want to go to more competitions, just compete more.”
“You learn a lot from people, you learn from your mistakes and it means a lot to people who are in need, just to come and showcase their skills,” Karina Naldrett points out.
The Northern Cape provincial government says R32 million has been put aside to grow skateboarding as a sport and ensure its sustainability.
Lorato Venus Blennis-Magaga, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, says: “As a provincial government, we have a shrinking budget, but we believe we have invested about R32 million in this project by reprioritising. We recognise that this is something that can get Kimberley moving. In fact not just Kimberley but the Northern Cape. It is an investment that we are making.
The provincial government says they want to cement Kimberley as South Africa’s skateboarding capital.
Top skaters from across South Africa, along with international talent from Russia and Germany say they are thrilled that they participated in the Kimberley Diamond Cup competition. The competition featured Under-16 Boys and Girls. It was paused in 2022, but it is now back in full swing.
An overall winner will walk away with R200 000. Skaters say this is not only about the prize money, but more about learning and improving their skills.
Kimberley hosts a skateboarding competition
