Emaswati Skates, the local skateboarding organisation, has long dreamt of a proper skate park in Eswatini. Their dream came true when the EU Delegation to Eswatini partnered with Skate World Better, a Czech NGO, COSPE-Eswatini and the Municipal Council of Mbabane, who provided the land in the city centre, to see this facility becoming a reality.

Speaking during the launch of the project, EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Dessislava Choumelova, thanked all the partners for their energy and commitment to see this beautiful facility coming to fruition.

The project was in line not only with the EU’s seven-year programme in Eswatini focusing on youth skills and empowerment but also with the 2023 European Year of Skills. The skate park provides a recreational space for the young people of Eswatini to meet, connect, hone their skating talents, and exchange ideas.

The Ambassador stressed that sport was a catalyst for success as it teaches young people focus, discipline, team spirit, self-improvement and perseverance. Sport also helps build self-confidence and provide critical skills for employment, while contributing to physical and mental health. Big hopes to see Eswatini skaters at the Paris 2024 Olympic games!