News Summary
The Florida Skate Heritage Fair, set for July 18-20, aims to reshape perceptions of skateboarding while highlighting its community benefits. Founded by advocate Zach Moldof, the event will offer vendor displays, artistic showcases, and cash-for-tricks competitions with $5,000 in prizes. Moldof emphasizes the sport’s potential for promoting healthier lifestyles and community connections. The fair also features panel discussions with local officials and the inspiring story of individuals overcoming challenges. With free admission and engaging activities, it hopes to unite the community and celebrate skateboarding’s positive aspects.
Orlando, Florida – The Florida Skate Heritage Fair, scheduled for July 18-20, aims to highlight the positive impacts of skateboarding in the community while tackling challenges associated with negative perceptions of the sport. Founded by skateboarding advocate Zach Moldof, the event is backed by the nonprofit Skate Bud and produced in partnership with the Florida Division of Arts and Culture.
The fair will take place at the Central Florida Fairgrounds in a spacious 20,000 square feet, air-conditioned venue, bringing together community members of all ages for an engaging three-day experience. Admission to the fair is free, with suggested pre-registration for attendees. Each day will feature various activities including vendor displays, artistic showcases, giveaways, and refreshments.
Moldof, who aims to reshape the image of skateboarding away from being viewed as a delinquent activity, has noted significant struggles for the sport to flourish in Orlando due to governmental opposition and a lack of community support. The event will include panel discussions featuring local and state officials addressing how communities can better support skateboarding and its benefits.
A key highlight of the fair is the cash-for-tricks contests, where skaters can compete for a total of $5,000 in prizes throughout the weekend. Moldof emphasizes the importance of integrating skateboarding into neighborhoods to promote healthier lifestyles, reinforcing the notion that the culture surrounding skateboarding can foster community connection and well-being.
In support of these claims, a yearlong study titled “Beyond the Board” has shed light on the various benefits of skateboarding for youth. These include opportunities for fun, stress relief, and creative expression. Moldof stresses the necessity for accurate representation of skateboarding culture at institutional levels, arguing that such representation is fundamental for changing attitudes toward the sport.
In a testament to the sport’s resilience, the fair will also include personal stories of triumph, such as that of Nigel Smith, a 24-year-old who recently overcame significant health challenges. After battling a life-threatening blood infection that led to the amputation of both legs, he is determined to return to skateboarding and other sports. Supported by his care team at Orlando Health, Smith is adapting to life as a bilateral amputee, showcasing the spirit of perseverance and the inclusive nature of skateboarding.
Additionally, a community group known as UrMomSkates has emerged, where mothers in the Orlando area come together to skateboard. Founded in June, the group has quickly grown to include 15-20 members who meet weekly, learning new skills while bonding with their children. The initiative provides these mothers with community support and confidence-building experiences, further emphasizing the social benefits associated with skateboarding. They meet almost every Wednesday and hold additional lessons every other week with an instructor, welcoming all women interested in joining.
The Florida Skate Heritage Fair presents a unique opportunity for the community to come together, engage in meaningful discussions, and celebrate the positive aspects of skateboarding. As the event approaches, it aims to shift the narrative surrounding skateboarding in Florida, promoting its integration into social environments and advocating for its recognition as a contributor to healthier lifestyles and community connections.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: Florida Skate Heritage Fair
- Wikipedia: Skateboarding
- WESH: Orlando Man Overcomes Life-Threatening Infection
- Google Search: Skateboarding Benefits
- Your Community Paper: Shredding Skateboards and Stereotypes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Skateboarding
- Fox 35 Orlando: Skateboarding Coverage
- Google News: Skateboarding Community
- Skateboarding.com: Grant Brittains Photo Exhibit
- Jenkem Magazine: Jenkem Mix 146
- West Orlando News: Tony Hawk at Orlando Museum of Art
