By Dana Thaer Khaled Kharaz (OCA Young Reporter from Palestine)
Hangzhou, China, September 28, 2023: When I first witnessed skateboarding as part of the Asian Games in China, I felt like I had been transported to another world. It was a sport I had never seen before, and it was an awe-inspiring experience in every sense. It was a world brimming with creativity, passion, and daring. It wasn't just a sports event; it was a mesmerizing artistic performance.
From the moment the competition began until the very end, I wished it would never conclude. Watching the athletes, especially the female skateboarders, fall and then rise with more determination each time left me in awe. The truth is, it's a remarkable sport that grips the audience from start to finish, and you can't predict the winner until the last competitors finish their runs. The spectators' eyes remained fixed, watching, feeling as though they were part of the competition.
As soon as I witnessed the skateboarders start their competition, I was captivated by the grace they exhibited while skillfully maneuvering their boards. It was as if they were dancing on an enchanting surface. Those astonishing moves they executed combined strength and elegance in a unique way.
Seeing the athletes represent their homeland with honor and determination left me immensely proud. They demonstrated to the world that willpower can achieve miracles, even in the face of significant challenges. Witnessing them defy gravity and invent new tricks was a tremendous source of inspiration for me as a spectator.
How I wished that my homeland, Palestine, had dedicated skateboarding facilities so that Palestinian youth could invest their talents in this sport and develop their abilities to achieve great athletic accomplishments.
I can confidently say that skateboarding has had a profound impact on my heart and mind. It's a sport that carries the spirit of mountains and the daring of waves. In that moment, I felt it was more than just a sport; it was an art that reflects human creativity and the ability to break boundaries.