Kabul Korrespondence

MEDIA RELEASE 06.03.08
SKATEISTAN© Afghan Skate School
Benefit Gig 22.03.08



Skateistan is Afghanistan’s first dedicated co-educational skateboarding school. The project will engage with the growing numbers of urbanised Afghan youth in Kabul through skateboarding and provide new opportunities in cross-cultural interaction and education. The school will teach more than 100 students from a range of different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Student capacity will be developed in skateboarding, skateboarding instruction, project management, life skills and English. Our aim is to develop a program that empowers youth to take leadership on issues important to them and build networks countering ethnic barriers.

The three founding Melbourne born members of Skateistan: Oliver Percovich, Sharna Nolan and Travis Beard are staging a benefit gig to raise funds and awareness for the project. The 303 Bar in Northcote will host an array of musical entertainment, such as: Bass Bin Laden, The Insurgents, The Wasp Factory, Aux 1 and MC’s, Gluefoot + more T.B.A. Details: 303 Bar, 22/03/08 6 - 1 pm, 303 High Street, Northcote, 3067

There will also be a photo exhibition of images from the pioneering days of Skateistan in 2007. We will hold an auction of prizes donated by Black Box, Crumpler, Lonely Planet and Argusphotography. Merchandise such as T-shirts, badges and stickers will be on sale.

100% of all proceeds from the benefit will go towards the first months of operation in Kabul, which will commence in April 2008.

Supporting organizations:
Black Box Distribution, 303 Bar, YMCA Victoria, Convic, Crumpler, Lonely Planet, Argusphotography, AADO: Afghan Australian Development Organisation

For more information please contact:
Travis Beard
Media liaison
Ph: 0424 569 149, 0400 094 194
Email: skateistan@gmail.com