Jamaica's First Skatepark Is Finally Being Built

Jamaica’s growing skate scene is finally getting recognized, with the build of its first professional skatepark. The young skaters who showcase their talent on DIY style ramps are getting the opportunity to hone their craft on Kingston’s first skatepark. The skatepark is being built by a UK non-profit organization, Flipping Youth, an NGO ran by volunteers who are currently campaigning to build a skatepark and youth center in Kingston, Jamaica. 

The campaign to create a skatepark began with the idea to tackle the growing gang and youth violence in developing countries. The video that moved the founder, Will Wilson, is the ‘Ja Skate’ video uploaded on YouTube, which featured a group of skaters from Jamaica expressing their passion for skateboarding. However after a few days, the video was uploaded, the main skater in the video was unfortunately stabbed to death in a gang-related violence. This cemented the intention in Will Wilson to go to Jamaica to build a skatepark in the memory of the slain, Andre Thompson. 

This is Flipping Youth’s first project and will be dedicated to the late Andre Thompson. To give your support to this cause head on to the official website to donate and find out more about the initiative. Meanwhile check out the video that started everything below, ‘Ja Skate’.