Zandisile Luphahla

Most of the biggest names on the global skateboarding scene are descending on South Africa in the final run-up to the world’s greatest skateboarding event, the 2012 Maloof Money Cup world skateboarding championships presented by Kumba Iron Ore.

Two pro tours are hitting towns and cities across the country before the competition kicks off in Kimberley, at the weekend.

The Deathwish Baker riders, Lizard King and Brian Herman joined the last leg of the Skateboarding for Hope community outreach initiative for demonstrations and training clinics in the Northern Cape mining towns of Kathu and Postmasburg at the weekend.

Skateboarding for Hope is a joint initiative between Maloof Skateboarding and the Northern Cape government to introduce the youth of South Africa to skateboarding as an affordable, accessible lifestyle alternative.

The Famous Stars and Straps Pro Tour starring Manny Santiago, Kurtis Colamonico, Luis Tolentino and Felix Arguelles will head for Johannesburg, KZN and Cape Town before hitting Kimberley on Thursday to compete in the Maloof contest for their share of the R4m prize purse. Skate fans will enjoy live skate demos and street skating with these professional American skateboarders.

Maloof vice president, Tim McFerran, said they were excited about this year’s pro tours. “The growth of skateboarding in South Africa is unmatched anywhere in the world. These tours will help to continue the growth and excitement about the sport. It is a great opportunity for local fans to see their heroes in action.

“Guys like Lizard King and Manny were part of last year’s event and have become national favourites. They are loving being back in the country and can’t wait to skate the Maloof Skate Plaza this weekend,” he said.

The Maloof Money Cup skateboarding world championships takes place in Kimberley this weekend. Entry tickets for Saturday and Sunday are available from Computicket outlets, Shoprite and Checkers stores countrywide. Entry for Friday’s opening ceremony and qualifiers is free.

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