The District Magazine Vol. 1 Issue 4, Winter 2016 | Page 35

Bros

In 2006 at the Skatepark of Tampa a group of local
skateboarders started to collect and refurbish
broken and old skateboards to distribute to the
neighborhood kids who could not afford their
own. In 2014, they took their generosity to the
next level and became a 501(c)3 non-profit
organization. The group became fully committed
to providing high-quality equipment, safe skate
spots and youth mentoring in the community.
Why skateboards? The magic of a skateboard in
addition to being a method of transportation for
young people, it is a tool for play, discovery and
develops physical skill, while teaching to interact
with others who share the same common interest.
Skateboarding teaches problem solving and
perseverance and is good for the mind and body.
It is fun and can change someone’s life.
Boards for Bros partners with local youthcentered non-profits and institutions to enable

them to use skateboarding in their efforts
to help shape the lives of young people.
In 2016 they worked with Pasco County
and Pinellas County Schools, Tampa
Police, A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay, Joshua
House, Current Initiatives, University Area
Community Development Corporation,
St. Pete Skatepark Alliance, Positive Spin,
XO Factor, and James A. Haley Veteran’s
Hospital.
Not only does the gift of skateboarding
enrich the lives of the skateboard recipients,
but it also empowers local skateboarders
to feel that they can make a difference in
their community. Boards for Bros have
introduced over 100 local skateboarders
to the acts of volunteering and donating.
All of their skater volunteers experience
an increased sense of belonging in their
community and feel empowered to take on
projects that help B4B share the profound
personal benefits of skateboarding with
their peers.
THE DISTRICT - TAMPA’S URBAN DWELLING MAGAZINE

35