MOTEL X FREE MOVEMENT SKATEBOARDING

One of the best projects we came across is Free Movement Skateboarding (FMS). We proudly support FMS in any way we can. We try to donate in regular basis, we send out equipment for their sessions with the kids and soon we will arrange a fundraising event with them. Free Movement Skateboarding addresses gaps in accessible and inclusive recreational youth activities in Athens, using their mobile skatepark to provide regular skateboarding sessions.

This is how Will Ascott – the cofounder- describes the project

“Through skateboarding, Free Movement Skateboarding supports the wellbeing, empowerment and social cohesion of youth in Athens, Greece. Together, on and off the board, we push for a welcoming and diverse Athenian skate scene and society.
FMS skateboarding sessions go beyond learning to skate and strive towards our three core values – wellbeing, empowerment and social cohesion – achieved through our skateboarding session delivery and wider youth development programming for socially excluded communities in Athens. With our mobile skatepark, we provide skateboarding in underserved communities by offering free of charge equipment and guidance, youth work discussions and an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment. We use a trauma informed approach to promote wellbeing through a yoga based warm up, whilst also encouraging youth to take a mindful approach to their skateboarding and the community around them. We empower all youth, with a focus on refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, girls and those with learning disabilities, by having them reflected in our coaching team as role models and discussing with them that if they can achieve on the board, they can achieve great things elsewhere. Social cohesion is achieved by creating the conditions for integration of diverse groups who wouldn’t normally meet, sharing space in the skatepark and beyond. Long-term, this creates new connections from diverse participants in our sessions and the skate scene at large, giving youth the community they need to be empowered, healthy, active citizens, creating the changes they want to see in Athens.”

If you want to proceed with a donation or support the project anyway you want please visit the official site here.