AALA PARK, Hawaii (KHON2) — Eighty-eight students from Kalakaua Middle School and Princess Ruth Keeliklani Middle School participated in a festive skateboarding event on Saturday, where they received complimentary skate gear and lessons from local professionals. This annual holiday gathering was organized by American Savings Bank in collaboration with Super Skate Posse.
The event featured notable Hawaiian skaters, including Jaime Reyes, Danny Hamaguchi, and Olympic athlete Heimana Reynolds. Reyes expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Having grown up skating at Aala Park, it played a significant role in keeping me out of trouble. Hosting this third annual ASB Super Skate Posse Trust Republic Plan event is personally meaningful, and I’m thrilled to give back to my roots and continue this tradition.”
Each participant received a new skateboard, backpack, helmet, t-shirt, and shoes, thanks to the Trust for Public Land and APB Skateshop.
Reyes emphasized the importance of accessibility in skateboarding: “Skateboarding can be quite costly, but today these kids receive gear for free, which will help them get started. Not everyone has the means to purchase a skateboard or even just a deck.”
The event also included a “best trick” contest with nearly $500 in prizes available. Adaku Ibekwe, co-founder of Super Skate Posse and event organizer, highlighted the community aspect of skateboarding. “The beauty of skateboarding lies in its community. No matter where you are in the world, as a skateboarder, you always have a place to call home,” Ibekwe remarked.
This initiative not only provided essential gear but also aimed to strengthen connections within the local community. The event showcased the positive impact of skateboarding on youth engagement and development.
Related topics:
