A rise of skateboarding is occurring in Ukraine as a way to escape the harsh war occurring from April 2022 and ongoing. Skateboarding is an important part of many people’s lives and forms vital communities.
Russia has invaded and made multiple offenses towards Ukraine, such as bombing and missile attacks throughout the last two years and continue to do so. Cities like Kherson, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Kyiv are among the most affected areas. Many lives have been taken and scarred and communities have been torn apart, which makes life in Ukraine grueling for everyone, especially teenagers and children.
“Many of these young Ukranians had to grow up fast because of the war,” CNN’s article “Ukrainian skateboarders take back their streets” by Kyle Almond said. “Some saw their schools destroyed and their studies come to an end.”
The skateboarding community in Ukraine has grown tighter than ever as they use the hobby to cope with the trauma of what they’re going through amidst the war. The activity serves as a way to defy the ongoing violence and keep living despite it. Escapism can help in situations such as this to build connections, come together, and fight back. Many teenagers in Ukraine communicate the toll it takes on them to live during this time and that skating is what allows them to express that.
“They have suffered. They lost people. They had to leave their homes. But they are still standing because of this mentality; ‘I will stand again,’” photojournalist Robin Tutenges said in CNN’s article “Ukrainian stakeboarders take back their streets.”
Skateboarding pushes you to stand up and keep going even after you fall, and to persevere through other aspects of life. For many people, skateboarding and other hobbies can help with family life or bullying as well.
“There’s nothing quite like the freedom and feeling of skating around the city finding a ledge, rail, gap, or stair set for everyone to conquer in their own way.” Andrew Ratliff, former skateboarder, said.
Skateboarding is the ultimate form of self expression. The rich skate with the poor, the popular with the unpopular, the bullies and the bullied. These communities band together on one common interest despite all differences and circumstances to do what they love.
