The first skateboarding school in Afghanistan is to open soon in Kabul, thanks to German support. ”SKATEISTAN“ is an initiative launched by Oliver Percovich, an Australian of German descent, and is already very popular with kids in Kabul, boys and girls alike. Now SKATEISTAN is to receive 50,000 euro from the Federal Foreign Office to build a skate hall with a half pipe, ramps and numerous other features.

Tomorrow, 1 February, Oliver Percovich and his team will receive the “ISPO Social Awareness Award” at the international trade fair for sports equipment and fashion (ISPO) in Munich. Germany's Ambassador to Afghanistan, Werner Hans Lauk, issued the following statement in connection with this award:

“We are thrilled by this project. After decades of civil war, what children and teenagers in Afghanistan most urgently need is a roof over their heads, food and education – but they also need a bit of fun, something to enjoy in life.

SKATEISTAN gives them something to enjoy. It is a welcome distraction from lives that are often far from easy, and gives the youngsters hope for a life in peace and security.”