Tony Hawk Visits the most Unlikely Skate Park in the World

South Africa's Indigo Skaters hang out with their Hero

"Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sport can awaken hope where there was previously only despair." These words were spoken by ex-president of South Africa Nelson Mandela, the patron of the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation, at the inaugural Laureus World Sport Awards in 2000.

Nine years later, the foundation has raised more than $28 million for over 70 organizations around the world, and the 46 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy comprise of some of the most recognizable names in the world. One of those is Tony Hawk and one of the foundations projects is the Indigo Skate Camp, about 45 minutes drive from Durban. Tony flew out for the weekend to hang, give a few pointers and treat the locals to a demonstration of world class skating at the Wave House park and vert ramp, a setup he helped design. It was going to be a day these kids would never forget.

Driving into the Valley of 1000 Hills is a trip. The potholed road winds crazily, clinging to the side of the hills by fingertips. There are goats and cattle everywhere and most of the bends have a severe drop and no barrier. The homesteads dotting the hillsides are rural. Mud walls, thatch roofs, scraggly vegetable gardens and little else. The occasional satellite aerial pops out of the odd roof, starkly contrasting the no-tech surroundings. Out here running water and electricity are luxuries, along with an indoor toilet and plumbing.

Indigo was founded 8 years ago by local skater Dallas Oberholzer. His ambitious goal was to use skating as a means of upliftment and development in the heart of a poverty stricken region. Life is difficult in the Valley of 1000 hills and the skate facilities raise many spirits. It's something different and fun.

Tony had never been in an environment quite like this. "I can't believe what I am seeing here in this community," he said. "It is one of the most amazing skateboard sites I have ever been to. The experience of seeing these young people from disadvantaged backgrounds is something that will stay with me forever". As for the kids, skating with the living legend seemed like a dream they wouldn't even have bothered having suddenly come true.

After a quick stop for some chow and a demonstration from a traditional dance troupe, the circus packed up and headed to the Wave House park, where the skating stepped up a notch. The kids got to see a demo of the skills that helped make the man who he is including a flip to stalefish over the roll-in and a switch 720.

Watching Tony share tips with the up and coming kids it was obvious just how beneficial the experience was to these guys. After the demo and clinics mass quantities of pizza were consumed while everyone jostled to get a photo next to the Birdman. Tony was snapping shots on his iPhone and uploading them straight to his Twitter account. It's amazing to think that 1,300,000 followers of his will see pics of these guys doing their thing in South Africa.

Laureus intend to further develop skateboarding in South Africa's disadvantaged communities. Maybe South Africa's top skaters in the future will come from the least expected parts of the country. You can read more about the Laureus Members' activities around the world at their blog.