Skateboarding has long been a healthy and fun pastime for American youth. Beginning back in the 1950s, the sport probably reached its zenith in the mid-1970s when it reached overseas to Europe and was no longer just a United States sporting activity.
At the July 1 meeting of the Franklin Town Council, T.J. Smith spoke to council members about Boards for Bros. Smith, who is executive director for the Highlands-based International Friendship Center (IFC), requested use of the new Franklin Skatepark for an upcoming event.
Boards for Bros (B4B) is a nonprofit organization that recycles skateboard equipment in order to provide free skateboards to underserved youth. The event is titled “Come Skate Day” and will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Aug. 24. B4B is based out of Tampa, Fla., and has chapters nationwide that are all run by volunteers. Smith reported that similar events have been held previously in Highlands and Gainesville, Ga., and were quite successful.
In 2006, at the Skatepark of Tampa, B4B started collecting and refurbishing skateboards to distribute to youth who could not afford their own. In 2014, B4B applied for and was granted a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. The organization is “fully committed to providing equipment, safe skate spots, and youth mentoring,” according to its website. Additionally, their model “empowers skateboarders to participate in community service as a donor, volunteer, or project manager.”
In 2016, national expansion of the successful Tampa-based model began. Chapters are now operating in North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and California.
B4B has its own philosophy about the benefits of skateboarding.
“The magic of a skateboard is that it is a mode of transportation in addition to being a tool for play, a tool for discovery, a tool to develop physical skill, a tool to interact with others who share an interest in skateboarding, a tool to teach problem-solving and a tool to teach perseverance. It is good for the mind and the body. It is fun. It can change someone’s life.”
Smith and his team are hoping to positively impact the life of Macon County youth on Aug. 24.
“Thanks to a July 11 fundraising event hosted by the Lazy Hiker Brewing Company, we raised $1,000,” he revealed.
Smith estimated around 100 people participated in the “skate art” auction. The monies raised were sent to B4B’s Tampa headquarters, who enlisted the involvement of Deluxe Distribution and Eastern Skate Board supply, two of the largest skateboard distribution sites, to provide various parts needed to build skateboards. Parts were then shipped to Highlands and the IFC, where Smith and individuals assisting him could begin skateboard construction.
Who gets a skateboard?
“If they show up and ask for a skateboard, we give them one,” said Smith. He also clarified that contrary to the “bros” label, girls are also eligible to receive a skateboard.
At its 2022 Highlands event, the organization gave away 52 skateboards. Last year they brought about 100 boards to Gainesville, Ga., and handed out 76 of them to kids who attended. In the case that all boards are handed out, Smith explained that any attending youth still requesting one can provide B4B with contact information and arrangements will be made to ensure they receive a skateboard.
“We also work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western N.C.,” explained Smith. “Last year, in Gainesville, we teamed up with the Boys and Girls Club of Lanier. This year, we really want to make this event centered around Franklin. I wanted to make sure, because of the new (Sk828) park, we did one here.”
Smith added that Big Brother Big Sisters will again be assisting with this year’s event.
Drinks and snacks will be provided at the Come Skate Day in Franklin as well as some basic beginner skateboarding lessons, weather permitting. Said Smith, “People from the local skateboarding community can show kids how to get on, stay on, and make sure they aren’t just starting from zero (experience).”
Smith said he is not looking to make the event an annual affair. Instead, he expressed hope that the local skateboarding community might join the effort of providing skateboards to youth who cannot afford their own – even in an unofficial capacity.
As far as assistance, he advised that someone could even drop off a donated skateboard at a location like Lazy Hiker, and his organization will make sure it is collected for future events. If anyone wants to donate to Come Skate Day specifically for this year, the IFC website (https://www.internationalfriendshipcenter.org/) has a “How to Help” drop down option on its main page which provides a “donate” button as well. He recommended anyone donating via that route be sure to note in their form that it is for Franklin’s Come Skate Day.
Those interested parties can also try the Sk828 Facebook page to launch any inquiries on how to get involved or support local skateboarding efforts in Franklin.