Zandisile Luphahla
PRO: New skatepark manager Mike Koroczynsky shows how it’s done. Picture: ZANDISILE LUPHAHLA
The state-of-the-art Maloof Skate Plaza in Kimberley is set to be a hive of activity for the next five months in the run-up to the Maloof Money Cup skateboarding world championships.
The championship will take place from September 28-30.
And to keep things moving, so to speak, a 22-year-old American Mike Koroczynsky, also known as “Chinner”, has been appointed director of Skateboard Park.
Hailing from Youngstown, Ohio, Chinner has been a passionate skateboarder for the past 11 years. He will oversee the daily operations and maintenance of the skate park as well as event planning.
Chinner who is studying hospitality management through Kent University, arrived in the country last weekend.
He said he was “blown away” by the skate park.
“This park is absolutely awesome, it’s really great.
“I can’t wait to get stuck in and organise demonstrations and contests. The plan is to host at least three to five events per week at this venue. We want to get the kids hyped about skateboarding and build their skills,” he said.
“We will even offer free weekly clinics for special groups such as kids at risk or in places of safety.”
Chinner will graduate in August after doing his summer internship in South Africa.
Tim McFerran, vice-president of Maloof Skateboarding, said: “I am really excited that we were able to get a skater of Chinner’s calibre. He will be able to work closely with top local skateboarders in Kimberley and teach them how to run the skate park, thereby creating local jobs.
“I know Chinner is the right person to help increase attendance to park from over South Africa and the world,” said McFerran.
“His appointment is just one of the new initiatives we are working on to expand on last year’s (championship) success.”
McFerran said Chinner’s job was to expose the youth to the skate park and to skateboarding.
“I definitely think that his work with the local youth will have a huge impact on improving their skateboarding skills and will allow them to reach their full potential.”
The Maloof Money Cup is considered to be the world’s premier showcase for professional and amateur skateboarding and is well-known around the world.
The Kimberly skate park is a world-class skate park and will continue to bring positive attention to the Northern Cape and the regions, said McFerran.
The world’s top professional and amateur skateboarders are expected to take part in the street and vert disciplines of the competition in September.
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