On an extremely cold Friday in February, Dan Mancina brought his love of skateboarding to Calgary, Alberta, Canada and helped change the lives of fifteen visually impaired youth. In partnership with non-profit organization Academy Skateboard Collective, Dan shared his story and introduced skateboarding to the youth, their parents and school staff. Dan’s story of resilience not only resonated deeply with the group of students but its impact on their caregivers was equally visceral. As the students familiarized themselves with their skateboards and the skatepark, they approached standing on the boards, rolling, pushing and pumping the transitions with an uninhibited confidence. In a short amount of time, students comfortably explored the physical landscape in a way they had never before: through the lens of skateboarding. The impact Dan has left on our community will not be soon forgotten. He gave us all one residing message; anything is possible. The experience reminded us that we are not defined by perceived barriers but that we can find meaning in our ability to adapt in the face of them. Isn’t that what skateboarding is truly about?

Thank you Dan Mancina, Academy Skateboard Collective, Real Skateboards, Adidas, Ninetimes Skate Shop, the Compound Skatepark and everyone else that made this event possible. We are truly stoked to support grass roots initiatives like these.

Video: Matt Allen. Feature Photo: Jeremy Fokkens