‘Skate for Social Change’ Programme: Engaging girls through skateboarding in Brazil

By Alexandra Flores I Laureus Sport for Good 

They travelled 3,000 kilometres to share and grow their experience of the power of skateboarding through the ‘Skate for Social Change’ programme. 

The trip surpassed their expectations, and they returned home inspired to do more with skateboarding in their communities. 

The Skate for Social Change initiative, powered by Laureus Sport for Good, Sport for Social Change Network (SSCN), Nike, with the strategic support of Non-Governmental Organisation Social Skate,  aims to develop skateboarding, especially for girls, in Northeast Brazil. Olympic and World Championship medallist Rayssa Leal, a role model from the region, has been involved since its inception. 

For many of these girls, this was their first time leaving their home region and immersing themselves in an experience that opened new possibilities for their future.

One of the girls Adrielly reflected: "These days have been a unique and wonderful experience for me. I’ve always dreamed of this, since I was a little."

A Programme for Empowerment and Equality

The programme collaborates with three local organizations - Associação Conexão Social, Associação Atletas Sal e Luz and Instituto Esporte Mais – by providing grant funding and leadership training, these organisations are better equipped to support and transform young people’s lives through skateboarding. 

Launched in mid-2024, Skate for Social Change fosters gender equality, builds confidence and strengthens communities. Rayssa Leal has helped change perceptions about skateboarding in Brazil. 

Clara, a participant from Instituto Esporte Mais, noted: "This sport was seen as something for vagabonds. Now parents encourage their children to practice it."
 

A Community of Learning and Growth

Beyond learning skateboarding techniques, the trip allowed the girls to bond with peers from other regions and embrace the skateboarding community. 

For Maria, another participant from Associação Conexão Social, said meeting others who enjoyed skateboarding was a highlight: "I learned new tricks and I could teach them mine."

This trip also gave programme leaders a chance to exchange knowledge, share methodologies and explore how the skateboarding can create social change in their organisations. 

2Sport can be a powerful agent of social transformation, expanding opportunities and strengthening communities," said Ana Carrança, SSCN director, who oversees local programme execution in Brazil.

"These new tools will help them show that skateboarding can - and should - be a diverse and inclusive environment," she added.

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