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The Maloof Money Cup World Championships in Kimberley main attraction for skateboarders may have been for R4m in prize money, but for fans who love the alternative sport, the opportunity to see their heroes up close turned out to be a dream come true for many.

The event is organised by Maloof Skateboarding, US company, in partnership with Kumba Iron Ore, Northern Cape Tourism and the Northern Cape provincial government. This partnership goes beyond just the World Championships.

They also initiated and are running the Skate for Hope programme which gives children from across the country the opportunity to compete in the amateur event by qualifying as wild card entries.

Following the inaugural skateboarding extravaganza in the Northern Cape city, organisers decided to increase the seating at the event and the decision paid dividends as the extended stands were quickly packed to the rafters.

The All City event comprised 10 teams of four skateboarders going head to head for the crown.

The winner in the event this year was team Alliance consisting of Sam Khumalo, Dlamini Dlamini, Ofentse Ramakanye and Sechaba the Bakersman.

Riders taking part in the amateur street event had to qualify through competitions held nationwide as part of the Skate for Hope initiative.

After a qualifying round, the final of the amateur street event was held on the final day.

“I’m so excited to have won, I never thought it would happen,” said Kanya Spani who won the amatuer street event.

His controlled and consistent skateboarding proved to be too good for second place Simon Stipcich whose tricks included the big hubba and a switch 360 flip over the rail.

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The 2012 Maloof Money Cup World Championship from Kimberley South Africa has been noted around the world as this article from JIP shows.