The National Commission Skateboard (CNS) is incredibily very well organized.
From the development of skaters , the judges, the contests. An example to
follow for all other European countries. To know more about the CNS, tell us how
everything has become reality . Who were the initiators of this project? How and
when the idea was born?
In fact, the Commission Skateboard is a part of the French Federation of Roller
Sports, because of the Ministry, since 1997. That's the way the Ministry can
recognize us and give us some budget.
But this Federation let us decide and develop the skateboard the way we want.
The French skateboarders have always taken an active part of the development
for skateboarding.
Thomas RAYMOND was the president of the CNS during more than 10 years.
You are the CADRE TECHNIQUE FEDERAL SKATEBOARD , basically you are the
responsible for the new generations? Explain exactly what is your role
I'm a Technical Consultant. I try to develop and promote the skateboard in France.
It's pretty cool, but it's a lot of work.
The main part of my job consists in training the future instructors.
Then I work with Cyril FORCHERON who helps me to coordinate the Contests (French
championships, French Cups and the National Ranking), with the local skateboard
clubs, and skateparks.
I also try to develop the French Teams : the Collectif Juniors and the Collectif Filles,
but in the way we make some skateboard trips, because I don't want to create a
National Skateboard Team to go to contests. They make enough contests all year
long.
For the Juniors, the purpose is to make some prevention : I want to tell them a lot of
advices (physical, technical, career plan, management of personal image, ...).
I 've also created a Label for the French Skateboard Schools and other tools for the
clubs and instrcuctors to help them to develop and promote their activities.
Cyril is also responsible of the Cellule Equipement that tries to help the
municipalities to create, animate and manage skateparks.
The French scene is and has always been the top in Europe , as you've seen the
scene in recent years (after the “crisis“ )
I think there are a lot of very good skateboarders around Europe.
But, it's more difficult for riders who can't practice all year long because of the
weather and the lack of indoor skateparks.
We also have the chance to have some media and some companies that make a
good job.
Many US teams like to come to France and Spain, to make skate trips. A lot of
European retailers are based in France to.