When I visited Qalqilya, Palestine I met an impressive group of kids…
Collectively, these kids call themselves the "X- Games Team" and they are doing their best to make the most out of their young lives in Palestine, (despite being born into their extremely difficult situation). They have focused their energies on the positive activities of skating, hip-hop, break-dancing and parkour. Watching these kids fly through the air has been inspirational to me as it shows the resilience of the human spirit. Despite being imprisoned behind a 30’ wall their entire young lives; these kids prove that while the land may be occupied, their minds won’t be.
I am happy to report that the X-Games team have some big news! They just received a generous donation of a skate ramp from an arts organization in Dubai known as Tashkeel.
Tashkeel recognizes the positive value in skating and have been attempting to introduce it to middle eastern culture. They have also shown keen interest in global outreach and cultural exchange. Most notably, they commissioned a huge skate ramp that is made in the shape of their name in Arabic. How cool is this?!
A film is currently in production about the X-Games Team by my friend, New York based filmmaker, Adam Abel. This link should help shed light on who these kids are and what they are all about.
More information about the Qalqilya ramp can be found at Adam Abel’s website. And watch the trailer for Adam's film.
As you can imagine, the kids in Qalqilya are ecstatic about this gift and are planning a grand opening ceremony at the new ramp on Sunday, November 17 2013. As an artist, I have been so inspired watching the X-Games Team's new skate ramp being installed at the Qalqilya zoo, that I created these carved wood painting to celebrate!
Congratulations to Sajed Abu-Ulbeh, Adam Abel, Mohammad Othman, Brian Patch, San Khaled Al Hasn and everyone else in Qalqilya who worked hard to make this happen, (and thanks for posting pictures of the process). I hope you all use it well! QALQILYA: Where Palestinian Boys are Learning How to Fly.
The World is Taking Notice!
Read this new article about the X-Games Team! And watch this video from Aljazeera about the boys.
And as always, please consider donating to http://BuildaDeafSchool.org to help build the first and only high school in the West Bank for the Deaf. (Because every child deserves access to a high school education... even children in the West Bank).