Recently, Edenvale’s 011 Skatepark became affiliated with Roller Sports South Africa.
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This means the venue is now one of the few skating facilities in South Africa to be recognised by the Olympics.
Dean Backos of 011 Skatepark explained that the park partnered with Girls Skate South Africa to create the Johannesburg Skate Club before becoming affiliated with RSSA.
Girls Skate SA hosts skating programmes and classes for girls and women interested in the sport.
The organisation hopes to make itself synonymous with skateboarding among female and LGBTQIA+ skateboarders nationally.
Officially registered last November, the Johannesburg Skate Club will be up and running by the end of this month.
Backos said a tournament scheduled to be held at 011 will test the park’s capabilities for future large-scale events.
“It’s a cool feeling. It’s great that things are moving this way,” he said.
Backos said he was told by the president of RSSA, Wendy Gila, that 011 Skatepark is one of the best facilities in Johannesburg.
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“Because of how it is structured, there is a lot of seating for audiences and the skating scene. There is space where stuff can be done,” said Backos.
“Although it is now labelled as an Olympic facility, it still needs a lot more work.”
Backos said that since the skatepark was established, it has developed further.
“The facility has so much potential for everything. For the skate scene, it has become a creative ecosystem and facility that everyone feeds off.
“We want families to come and enjoy themselves,” said Jaco Botes
For the year ahead, Backos said several competitions are lined up, with the first scheduled for March 4.
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Sponsored by Dragon, the tournament will be an amateur and open event. Both sides will consist of three runs and best tricks. Live entertainment will be provided.
Backos said since he and his brother started leasing the municipal facility last year, there has been a revival in the skating scene in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
He said the community has supported the facility throughout its journey, with Tile Africa and Holy Rosary School sponsored supplies for the park’s development.
For more information about the park, go onto Instagram: @011_skatepark.
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