SKATEISTAN

The citizens of Essen, a city in the centre of the Ruhr Valley, one of Europe’s cultural boom regions, showed a heart for Skateistan on Saturday, when over 1000 Euros as well as boards and lots of skating equipment were donated during a fundraiser event hosted by Skateistan supporters Sonja Eller, Alexandra Bald and Mitran Kaul. Friends and supporters of Skateistan as well as over a hundred paying guests rocked the “Goethebunker”, one of Essen’s most “in” party locations till sweat was dripping from the ceiling. Young skaters seized the opportunity and skated the ramp and rail Skateistan had put up in the bunker while the rest of the crowd enjoyed cool drinks, four energetic live bands, four funky DJ sets and rocked the night away. Local sponsors had donated clothes and skating equipment, adding up to a value of over 1000 Euros, for a raffle held during the party. This was also a huge success – the first two prizes, two brand new skate board decks, were spontaneously and immediately donated to Skateistan by their winners. Donations were generous throughout and even youngsters who didn’t have any money to spend scraped together parts and old boards for their skating buddies in Kabul. Some limited edition 100%-climate neutral Skateistan-T-shirts are still available, please contact Skateistan if you are interested. The Essen fundraiser was an opportunity for Skateistan-Aficionados from all corners of Europe to get together, get to know each other and discuss further support of Skateistan in the future. As a next step, German Skateistan supporters will found a registered non-profit association that allows companies and individuals to make tax-deductible contributions towards Skateistan. This will also facilitate the acquisition of major sponsors in Europe. Many thanks to the following sponsors that made the event possible and so successful. iriedaily, United Skateboard Artists, Second son, Fabulous skate shop, Goethebunker, Continental clothing, Redbull, Bionade, 667 and Pizza Prego. If you couldn’t make it to Essen, see you at the next Skateistan party!

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