Make Life Skate Life are currently hosting a fundraiser to start build work on their planned skatepark in the town of Suli, Iraq – which is currently pencilled in to start on May the 3rd. As the company at least partially behind the concrete parks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Annapurna, Nepal and, most recently, Taghazout, Morocco, these guys have all the necessary skills to bring something amazing to Suli – they just need the funds to do so. Have a full read of the press release below and click on the image to be taken to their GoFundMe page!

“Suli Skatepark is an initiative inspired by a small but motivated group of skaters in the city of Sulaymaniyah (Suli). The city is located in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of Northern Iraq, surrounded by several mountain ranges and known as the cultural capital of the Kurdish region. Skaters in Suli believe that skateboarding can bring people together and make life better.

War and instability in Iraq, Syria and neighboring countries have forced millions to flee their homes. Many displaced people have found refuge in Sulaymaniyah, making it a melting pot of different religions and cultures. Through skateboarding people from different backgrounds can come together and develop a common passion. The city and the region would benefit from a community skatepark where youth can learn, practice and exchange. The skate scene is still new and a major obstacle for its growth is safe skate spots.

With the help of local skaters Make Life Skate Life has secured donated land as well as permission from the municipality of Sulaymaniyah to construct a 400m2 concrete skatepark for everyone to enjoy.

More than 40 experienced skatepark builders from countries across the globe will volunteer to lead the construction of the park. International builders will be working with local volunteers to design the park and share their knowledge of construction. Together the team will create a skatepark for the community from the community. Local skateboarders will be provided with the tools, materials, and knowledge to create their own skatepark as well as the inspiration to lead their own future projects.

If we can reach our fundraising goal, construction will begin May 3rd and the skatepark will be open to local youth by May 24th.

The skatepark will provide youth from Sulaymianyah and across the region a free, safe, and accessible outlet for socializing and physical activity.  As part of long-term skate programming led by a team of professional skateboard instructors, local volunteers will be empowered to run a free of charge loaner system. All youth will have access to skateboarding equipment and safety gear to use at the skatepark, regardless of economic standing.

With your help we can make the project a reality for the skaters and future skaters of Iraq.”