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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OMZmD77AG4

INFORMATION ON THE PROJECT:

My name is Mark Gavigan, I am currently a student of Architecture at the University of Cambridge.

At the beginning of September this year I am going to be spending a month in Asira El Shamalyia, a town near Nablus, Palestine. I will be with a small team of volunteers building a skatepark, with a registered charity called SkatePAL (SC044815).

Due to the political situation in Palestine, areas such as sport and art are often underfunded and neglected. Skateboarding brings a fantastic form of exercise to the youth of the town along with a great spirit of inclusivity. It gives young people an outlet to express themselves creatively and positively whilst building self-confidence and self-determination. This is particularly important in places such as Palestine, where young people are faced with the daily hardships of military occupation.

SkatePAL operates a successful model to set up and develop skateboarding facilities and programmes in local areas. Along with designing and building the skatepark, we will teach lessons for 5 weeks and work with the council to develop the skateboarding scene sustainably, and build a self sustaining project. 

There is also a great importance placed on teaching both sexes, as girls are often excluded from traditionally 'male' sports in Palestine. There is no focus on sexes, ages, nor political beliefs. The non-for-profit charity will bring something with no alterior motives other than fun to the town, something centred on personal progression and to be enjoyed by anyone.

WHERE THE MONEY IS GOING:

We need to raise a total of £18,000.00 for the skatepark alone, so every penny is going to help.

Thank you for taking the time to read and thank you for your help!

You can find out more about SkatePal and keep up to date via their website and facebook page:

https://www.skatepal.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/SkatePalestine?fref=ts