Vans Spotlights the Power of Skateboarding in Partnership with Tony Hawk, Skateistan and Vans Athletes in New Community-focused Campaign
Vans will donate up to US$200K to Tides Foundation in support of Skateistan to help youth around the world experience the power of skateboarding
COSTA MESA, Calif., June 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Go Skateboarding Day, Vans, the global leader in skateboarding for over 50 years, proudly announces a new partnership with Skateistan, the award-winning international non-profit organization which empowers youth through skateboarding and education in Afghanistan, Cambodia, South Africa and supports other social skate projects around the world.
"No Matter How Big Skateboarding Gets, Never Forget Where It Starts"
With this campaign, Vans reminds fans that skateboarding would not be where it is today without the strength of community. In a new video campaign titled "Where It Starts", Vans and Skateistan zero in on what makes skateboarding so special—the streets, skateparks, backyard pools and communities that built skateboarding from the ground up. Fans will hear from skateboarding's most talented stars including skateboarding legend, Vans athlete, and Skateistan board member, Tony Hawk, Vans skaters Lizzie Armanto and Pedro Barros, and Skateistan ambassador Yann Horowitz.
"As skateboarding prepares to see its largest media attention in history, the focus will mainly be on competition – but Vans and Skateistan want to raise awareness on the importance of supporting skateboarding's development at the community level," said Vans Global Sr. Director of Action Sports, Bobby Gascon. "Unlike traditional sports where athletes are aided with scholarships and various government programs, skateboarding requires support at ground zero – within its communities. We are excited to continue being that foundation for skaters all around the world and advocating Skateistan's mission to do so as well."
Skateistan dedicates resources to groups often excluded from sports and educational opportunities, especially girls, children living with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds. With support from their global network, The Goodpush Alliance, the non-profit supports growth and development of the skateboard community all over the world, celebrating the unique culture of skateboarders and their creative self-expression.
Now through September, Vans will donate $10 USD from every pair of Vans Custom Skate Classics purchased from Vans on Vans.com/customs from June 21 to August 30 – up to US$200k – to Tides Foundation in support of Skateistan. Consumers will be able to create their own unique pair of Vans Skate Classics and in doing so, can give back to an incredibly worthy cause in honor of Go Skateboarding Day.
Vans fans can visit Vans.com/skateistan to watch the new video spots of the "Where It Starts" campaign beginning July 6. Fans can now create their own Custom Skate Classics with select recipes from Vans ambassadors and athletes to donate directly to Skateistan's programming. Share your custom designs and where skateboarding started for you by tagging @vansskate on social media today!
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in 97 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans® has over 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand promotes creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture and delivers progressive platforms such as Vans Checkerboard Day, Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans' cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.
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About Skateistan
Skateistan is an award-winning international non-profit organization empowering children through skateboarding and education in Afghanistan, Cambodia and South Africa. Through our innovative programs which combine creative, arts-based education with the fun and freedom of skateboarding, Skateistan gives children the opportunity to become leaders for a better world.
About Tides Foundation
Tides is a philanthropic partner and nonprofit accelerator dedicated to building a world of shared prosperity and social justice. Tides works at the nexus of funders, changemakers, and policy, with extensive impact solutions including philanthropic giving and grantmaking, impact investing, fiscal sponsorship for social ventures, collaborative workspaces, and policy initiatives. Our extensive tools and know-how give our partners the freedom to hit the ground running and drive change faster than they can on their own.
SOURCE Vans
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