SwansAid success for local skatepark

​​​​​​​The Community Urban Skills Project (CUSP) have landed a SwansAid grant to refurbish their Exist skatepark.

Exist is a not-for-profit indoor skatepark, BMX, inline skating and extreme sport facility.

Based in the heart of Swansea’s City Centre, Exist opened its doors in 2011 and currently has an active membership of 300 people.

The skatepark aims to create a safe, fun environment for local young people from a variety of different social backgrounds.

As they look to continue promoting an active and healthy lifestyle, to broaden horizons and encourage confidence and self-awareness, CUSP have been awarded £9,640 by SwansAid to refurbish the skatepark.

On behalf of CUSP, Louise Morgan said: “Winning this grant feels absolutely fantastic. It’s vital to the park’s longevity and we are very grateful to SwansAid for awarding it to us.

“We will be replacing and updating the existing skate ramps throughout the park to create a safe, up-to-date skateboarding environment that adheres to the latest guidelines and regulations.

“Alongside this we will be building a number of mobile ramps, which we will take out to schools in disadvantaged areas of Swansea.

“Creating this all-inclusive, safe, community environment gives a sense of belonging, which is vital to the wellbeing of children and young people from any background. It promotes a healthy lifestyle, increases fitness levels and contributes towards tackling childhood obesity.

“The kids love it when we build something new so when we rebuild and re-open we know there will be a real buzz of excitement from our members.”

SwansAid aims to financially support outstanding local community projects that support young and/or disabled people.

Now heading into its fifth year, SwansAid has distributed more than £175,000 to a variety of charities and community organisations across South Wales.

Louise added: “We would absolutely recommend SwansAid to anyone. It was a straightforward application process and is such a wonderful resource to have in Swansea.”

Applications for the autumn round of SwansAid funding will be taken from September 2018.

To be the first to find out when applications can be made, follow @SwansCommunity on Twitter or like the Swans Community Trust Facebook page HERE.

For more information about SwansAid, please contact Helen Elton at Helen@scfccommunitytrust.co.uk