Skateboard enthusiasts call for better non-polluting transport

Whoever said that it’s boring to promote alternative non-polluting transport systems in the metro has not heard of Sector 9’s “Push Don’t Pollute: Ride with Pride” skateboarding event.

The event, recently held at the Bonifacio Global City, is about “a group of people that are motivated by the causes that they are passionate about,” whether that be a push for cleaner air, promoting an active lifestyle, or just for the love of skateboarding.

Now on its third year, the annual event was attended by hundreds of skaters and skate enthusiasts from all over the Philippines, all meaning to show Filipinos that there are other means to get from one place to another aside from those that people have come to be familiar with.

The event also provided skateboarders with the perfect venue to express their solidarity as a community for causes that they believe in.

“The fact that more and more people are trying out skateboarding encourages us to come up with more activities like this,” said Freddy Gonzalez, president of Freesurf, Inc., a company that exclusively distributes core action sports brands.

“After all, at the end of the day, our focus has always been on providing our market with the best skate experience no matter where they are,” he said.

Through concept stores like Aloha Boardsports, Billabong, and Five-0 Skate Shop, Gonzales’ company makes accessible sports brands such as Sector 9, RVCA, and Billabong.

In 2003, the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC) declared June 21 as Go Skateboarding Day as a declaration of their love and dedication for the sport of skateboarding.

But who knew, that what started out to be a few skate sessions capped with a backyard barbecue (with a mission to let everyone know how fun skateboarding is), would turn out to be a global event that touches on social, environmental, health, and possibly even political issues?

Who could’ve predicted that the simple act of skateboarding could possibly end child obesity, combat air pollution, promote sports, and have your local government make roads safer for pedestrians, bikers, and skaters?

The event featured several categories such as the 10 km push race for men, women, and junior skaters, as well as a best trick competition.

Gonzalez said: “We understand the fact that the current state of the skateboard community and culture wouldn’t have been what is now without the help of a lot of people who are passionate about this activity.”

The 3rd Sector 9 Push Don’t Pollute Race: Ride with Pride is presented by Aloha Boardsports, Billabong, and Five-0 Skate Shop, and co-presented by Fox International Channels, Magoo’s Pizza, and VitaminBoost.