The first ever skatepark in Baghdad is set to open next week, on February 1.
Located at the grounds of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the Iraqi capital’s centre, entry will be free-of-charge for the public.
The skatepark has been five years in the making, and is being constructed by the Make Life Skate Life project, in collaboration with Baghdad Skatepark Project, Un Ponte Per, Iraq’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, Suli Skatepark and others.
There will be ramps and obstacles for skaters from beginner to advanced levels, with design being headed up by Austrian company East by West.
Commenting on its opening, Ishtar Obaid of the Olympic Committee said: “We are thrilled to introduce Baghdad’s first skatepark, which will provide a safe and welcoming environment for all our youth to express themselves and engage in mental and physical activity.
“This park represents more than just a place to skate,” she continued. “It symbolises a space for creativity, connection and hope.”
Safeen Mohammed of Iraq’s first skatepark, Suli Skatepark, said: “Skateboarding is not just a sport; it builds community. Finding a place in Baghdad to build a free and public skatepark was incredibly challenging.
“It took more than five years of persistence, but finally the dream of hundreds of skaters living in Baghdad will come true,” he added. “The skateboarding community in Iraq will grow from here.”
