WafflesNCream has been growing the skate scene in Nigeria for the past couple of years with their yearly ‘Go-Skate Day’, a show which gathers the few skaters in Lagos to celebrate the passion behind skating. They also run a store which has become a hub for skaters to get their gear and meet other skaters.
Skateboarding is an action sport which involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard, as well as a recreational activity, an art form, an entertainment industry job, and a method of transportation.[Skateboarding has been shaped and influenced by many skateboarders throughout the years. A 2009 report found that the skateboarding market is worth an estimated $4.8 billion in annual revenue with 11.08 million active skateboarders in the world.
It’s not considered a serious sport in Africa yet but slowly it’s been growing and attracting more individuals to be part. Skateboarding is not just a sport but a community that celebrates misfits, encourages freedom of expression and togetherness. A sport that can do a lot of good for a city like Lagos.
WafflesNCream is looking to get a park built this year in Lagos, it will be the first in West Africa. On the GoFundMe page they recently opened to raise money for the park they shared the aim and importance of building a skatepark,
“As the first and only skate shop in the region, we have been promoting and spreading skateboarding for the last 4 years. We have been skating at the few available spots Lagos currently has to offer. The quarter pipe we built has been broken down and thrown away as part of the renovation of the basketball court we currently skate at. We would like to raise £30,000 to build a concrete park with expert skate builders. Once we raise the funds we can put pressure on Lagos state to release the land for the build. This would be a huge achievement and would change the skate scene in Lagos permanently. If we beat our target, we will use the funds to maintain the park and we would also love to buy decks and setups to distribute to the local community and spread the love of skateboarding.“
You can donate to the cause here.