This video story was reported and produced by Julio Martinez. Ginette Troya is the anchor.
A Tampa nonprofit organization is giving kids free skateboards to help them find their passions and teach them resilience.
Boards For Bros aims to provide kids with safe equipment, skating spots and help finding community with others.
“The one unifying factor, the one thing that ties us all together is that piece of wood with four wheels makes us skateboarders,” said Ambassador Volunteer Woody Woods. “Not every sport is like that.”
While skateboarding can be viewed as a fun recreational activity, Boards For Bros hopes to turn it into a movement for the Tampa youth.
“It’s more than just athleticism, it’s a part of a cultural movement. What skateboarding at the Boards For Bros level does is open up children to the idea of a creative environment,” said Woods. “Every skateboard contains some type of graphic and art on it and during our distributions, we are able to encourage kids to flourish in their own desire to be artists.”
Despite the name, Boards For Bros also caters to a large number of girls, ensuring they’re not left out of the fun.
“Sometimes people say, well, Boards For Bros, but what about the girls? Girls are actually our largest recipient groups,” said Woods. “Girl skaters are rad. They’re fearless, bold, and love skateboarding. As a matter of fact, last year we gave more skateboards to girls than boys.”
While the Tampa location has been hard at work to positively affect the area’s youth, there are other locations of Boards For Bros organizations throughout the country in six states.
“We have skaters and Boards For Bros affiliations not only here in Tampa, but West Palm Beach and Miami, Los Angeles, California, Athens, Georgia, and Raleigh, North Carolina,” said Woods. “We’re absolutely looking to expand our footprint and impact nationally.”
Skateboards can be seen as more than just a plaything. It can also be a tool for physical development and transportation and discovery for the youth who may not have access to any means otherwise.
If you wish to donate or volunteer with Boards For Bros, or for more information on upcoming events, follow the links provided or check out its Facebook page.
