By Tara Kyle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Skateboarding may have its roots in indigenous Hawaiian culture, but it's taking off in Afghanistan, where it lacks the stigma of some other Western sports.
And now, New Yorkers are getting their own chance to help Afghan children hone their skateboarding talents.
Skateistan, a school offering skateboarding lessons to kids in Afghanistan, is hosting its first New York benefit in SoHo Friday night.
The event will feature a “special surprise band” and display skateboards designed by up and coming New York artists Ernesto Burgos and Shai Dahan, as well as Danish-Icelandic installation artist Olafur Eliasson, at the Red Bull Loft Space, from 9 p.m. to midnight.
“What we really hope is to raise awareness,” said Asheesh Bhalla, president and chairman of the Kabul-based non-profits U.S. board of directors. “Our individual support from U.S. donors is pretty low.”
Skateistan hopes New Yorkers, who can attend the Friday benefit for $40, will take an interest in supporting an array of programs they offer to 300 Afghan teens and children from a range of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Among about 16 million school-aged Afghans, only six million currently attend Afghan public school — which is only available for 2.5 hours daily per student.
“You have a huge dearth of educational access,” said Bhalla.
So in addition to teaching Afghan girls and boys how to perform an Ollie, kickflip or boardslide, Skateistan provides supplementary lessons in Dari and English, math, photography and environmental awareness. The organization also partners with health care NGOs.
Skateistan also hopes the sport will help liberate and empower young Afghans. This is especially important for Afghan girls, who don’t have other athletic opportunities.
Skateboarding is depoliticized in Afghanistan compared to other American sports like baseball or basketball because, according to Bhalla, people simply aren’t familiar with it. It has also obtained the support of the country’s highest Shiite and Sunni mullahs.
“These kids are going to be the future leaders of Afghanistan,” Bhalla said. “Sport provides them with an outlet to be themselves.”
About 75 of 100 available tickets to the benefit had sold by Friday morning, according to Bhalla.
The specially painted skateboards will also be available for auction on EBAY after the start of the benefit, for bids beginning at $50.
