Once it exploded on TV and people saw there were these 14-year-old girls and people from all countries that are killing it, and a camaraderie that you don’t see in other sports, that shined through.” “It’s something that has been a long time coming, something I’ve always believed it in but has been hard to present because skating was so male dominated through the decades.

“The thing that’s changed since the Olympic debut is the inclusivity factor is very much equal in terms of race, gender, age if you have a skateboard, you’re welcome into the fold,” Hawk said. Since skateboarding made its debut on the Olympic Program in the Tokyo Games last summer, Hawk notes, there has been even more interest-especially internationally-in community skatepark projects. We were able to change that narrative a bit with public skateparks.” The irony is the kids were labeled outlaws because they didn’t have a place to go. It was misunderstood, and skateparks were not embraced. “Skating was considered an outcast, misfit activity when I was a kid and even through the ’90s and early 2000s.

Mostly it’s a validation that a big company like that believes in our work and believes in skateparks as something that is good for youth,” Hawk said. “I’m thankful that Hot Wheels chose to support our foundation The Skatepark Project. The Skatepark Project has also provided guidance and advocacy training to thousands of skatepark projects worldwide. Since it was established in 2002, the foundation has funded 652 skatepark projects across all 50 states. life-size Birdhouse decks will be listed for sale, all signed by Hawk Hot WheelsĪs part of its collaboration with Hawk, Hot Wheels will also make a donation to his foundation, The Skatepark Project (previously Tony Hawk Foundation). As part of Tony Hawk's collaboration with Hot Wheels on its first fingerboard line, 100 Wildfire.

Hawk skateboarding