Manitoba skateboarding community fundraises for 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive indoor skatepark

Manitoba’s skateboarding community held a skate jam Saturday to raise money for a new and inclusive indoor skatepark.

“I think it’s really exciting to see the possibility of a new space where more things like this can happen,” said Maddy Nowosad with the Manitoba Skateboarding Coalition.

“A new indoor space where all folks can feel and be welcomed into fully and able to fully participate in the space.”

Fundraiser for inclusive indoor skatepark in Winnipeg on Jan. 28, 2023. (Credit: CityNews/Temi Olatunde)

Saturday’s event featured multiple activity stations for people to engage in – from portraits to baked goods, a mini thrift store and a patch buffet to fix up clothes.

The stations encouraged participants to only pay what they can, if they can.

“You don’t need to spend money here,” said Carson Monday, the fundraiser organizer. “You can come here with nothing and still be able to access everything we have. So you’re still able to get bread, you’re still able to get clothes, still able to skate. So if you get your stuff patched up, if you don’t have money, you don’t need to have money. But if you do, please give it to us.”

Fundraiser for inclusive indoor skatepark in Winnipeg on Jan. 28, 2023. (Credit: CityNews/Temi Olatunde)

Not welcome at Edge Skate Park?

The gathering comes after the group says some members of their community feel unwelcome at The Edge Skate Park, the only large enough indoor space available in the city, which is owned by Youth for Christ.

“The main one that’s available to skateboarders right now does not allow us LGBTQ+ skateboarders to fully participate in the space,” said Nowosad. “So we would like to change that and to create a new indoor space.”

She says the support received has been encouraging and in addition to raising money for the new space, she says it’s important for the skateboarding community to come together.

Fundraiser for inclusive indoor skatepark in Winnipeg on Jan. 28, 2023. (Credit: CityNews/Temi Olatunde)

“The Manitoba Skateboarding Coalition didn’t really have any part in organizing this event,” said Nowosad. “It was all community-led and driven. It’s taking a huge toll on mental health, not having access to a facility that everybody can feel safe and welcomed into.

“So I think organizing events like this one that really bring the community together, is really special and helps.”