Skateboarding in rural India

Nestled in the heart of rural Madhya Pradesh in India, Janwaar Skateboarding Village is a unique community initiative that is empowering local youth through the sport of skateboarding. The brainchild of Ulrike Reinhard, a German national, the project was started in 2015 with the aim of bringing about positive social change in the area.

At the heart of the project is a skatepark that was built in the village with the help of local volunteers and international donors. The skatepark has become a hub of activity in the village, attracting children from all walks of life who are keen to learn how to skateboard. Through the project, the children not only learn how to skateboard, but also develop important life skills such as confidence, perseverance, and teamwork.

What makes Janwaar Skateboarding Village unique is its focus on reaching out to the most marginalized members of the community, especially girls and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The project provides free skateboarding lessons to all children who are interested, regardless of their background. This has had a transformative impact on the lives of many young girls in the village, who are often denied opportunities to participate in sports due to cultural and societal barriers.