WallridePT

WallRide prides itself of the essential transformative steps taken in its first year, which resulted in the creation of support structures for the development of cohesive, healthy, and safe communities – in Faro and beyond. Historically, communities revolving around skateboarding culture have not been associated with socially privileged stratospheres, a tendency attenuated by the sport’s newfound popularity, but one that is far from being reversed. In the wake of the socio-economic disruption caused by COVID-19, a paradoxical phenomenon has been observed with the increase of skateboarders from various backgrounds, while at the same time the social and monetary needs of those same people having multiplied. These difficulties only exacerbated by inflation and worldwide market disruptions resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It was in this intersection of challenges that the Members and Volunteers of WallRide – moved by a sense of responsibility and love towards the skateboarding community – assumed a commitment towards these individuals and the spaces we all share. From the physical and social rehabilitation of Faro’s skatepark, to incentivising local and regional initiatives, as well as providing material and monetary support to underprivileged sections of society, WallRide worked hard to implement a strategy capable of positively affecting the greatest amount of lives possible, both on the board and off. The Association’s seven departments attempt to reflect the sports, social, infrastructural, and economic challenges identified by WallRide during its first year of existence, and the support harnessed from the most varied Municipal entities, Distributors, Brands, Shops and Individuals has been absolutely indispensable for our mission to exponentiate skateboarding’s transformative power, whether towards particular individuals or society as whole. The principles of Justice, Love and Work are what guide this young Association, from Faro to the World.