AKWESASNE — According to a report from Northumbria University, skateboarding originated from an activity of skating city streets and objects with 4-wheeled boards. However, the early 1980s marked the arrival of the first professional skateboarding athletes who were able to make a living from the sport, thanks to commercial interest of the sponsors and competitive skateboarding.
Now, access to a space specific to wheeled sports is open for the community of Akwesasne.
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) was thrilled to announce the opening of the Akwesasne Skatepark on October 8. Designed by Papillon Skateparks, construction on the 9,600 square-foot park began four months ago, with one of its main features being a turtle-shaped obstacle.
Located at the A’nowara’kowa Arena on Kawehno:ke, the park is open to serve the skateboarding, rollerblading, biking, scooter-riding, and wheelchair users from within and around the community.
“I would like to first acknowledge the team at the Department of Economic Development for their commitment and dedication for bringing this concept to reality,” said Kawehno:ke District Chief Edward Roundpoint, speaking at the event on behalf of Grand Chief Abram Benedict. “Through numerous corporate and private donations, this was all made possible.”
“We would like to acknowledge SIBC, the City of Cornwall, and Top of the World Skateshop for their support and assistance. Vans has also shown a great deal of support to the Akwesasne Skatepark, and they invited pro skaters to come to Akwesasne,” reads the MCA Facebook page.
On Sunday October 9th, female skater Annie Guglia, who is also an Olympian, visited Akwesasne.
“We wish to welcome all of our community members and neighbours to enjoy the Akwesasne Skatepark. Please be safe and have fun!”
The MCA also offered thanks to Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, Cornwall Dairy Queen, Rotary Club of Cornwall, Rotary Club of Cornwall Sunrise, Bank of Montreal, Cornwall Roof Truss, Ontario East Powersports, Cornwall Mazda, Seaway Hyundai, Seaway Chevrolet, Meg Estoff and Karla Ransom.
In 2015, Six Nations opened a skate park within Ohsweken.
