NANJING, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Despite heavy rain, hundreds of skateboarding fans converged on Nanjing’s Fishmouth Wetland Park to watch some of the legends of the sport perform their signature skateboarding tricks and stunts. Excited high-pitch screams erupted from the audience as international skateboarding star, Chris Cole performed some of his famous, unconventional skateboarding moves during a 30-minute performance.
The free vert and street skateboarding performances are courtesy of Nanjing 2014 Sports Lab, a new experimental programme for non-Olympic sports initiated by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach. The new programme began on the first day of the YOG on 16 August and features live performances by top Chinese and international athletes in the sports of roller skating, skateboarding, sport climbing, and Wushu. The purpose of the Sports Lab is to introduce these sports to the public through performances and interactive demonstrations to inspire people to get active and enjoy sport.
Skateboarding perhaps more than any sport embodies the coolness, creativity and rebellion of youth. The fact that the IOC has chosen to showcase the sport, shows that it is serious about differentiating the YOG from the Olympics and focusing on youth appeal. Skateboarding has become a global phenomenon and China is no exception. Currently, the largest skatepark in the world is located on the outskirts of Shanghai in New Jiangwan City and it is clear from the Nanjing fans’ dress and reaction to the Sports Lab performances that skateboarding is well-established here among local young people.
“I am a super-fan of skateboarding and it makes me happy to get the chance to see my idol Chris Cole perform in my hometown,” enthused one young fan, Fan Congcong. “It would be awesome if skateboarding could be a part of the Olympics.”
In total, the IOC invited 8 Chinese and 15 international professional skateboarders to perform. The performers include established male and female international superstars like Chris Cole (USA), Renton Millar (Australia) and Leticia Bufoni (Brazil) as well as homegrown stars like Liu Jiaming.
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