Jason Vanporppal is only $6K away from his target to build Africa’s biggest skatepark

Motivational speaker David Goggins once said, “Don’t stop when you’re tired, stop when you’re done.” US skateboarder Jason Vanporppal took those words literally and skateboarded from Kampala, Uganda, to Cape Town in 106 days.

The professional skateboarder journeyed across the continent (6,000km) to raise funds to build a skatepark for disadvantaged children in Uganda. Starting in February, Jason’s adventure took him through Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa.

What started as a fundraising trek morphed into a case study on Ubuntu. 

Social media has been littered with videos of Jason being greeted with homemade signs and strangers cheering him on. Along the way, people offered food, beds, hugs, police escorts, and prayers to the "American guy skating through Africa.” Upon his arrival in Cape Town, Jason received an even bigger welcome at the  from social media followers and fans. 

The inspiration behind his big, bold, beautiful journey is Ugandan skaters Isaac and Ephraim. Speaking to Independent Media Travel before reaching Cape Town, Jason said many young skaters in Uganda are forced to practice on dirt roads and in public spaces. “When I went there and saw it with my own eyes, I realised the skate community lacks resources.” 

So far, his GoFundMe initiative has raised more than $44K of his $50K (about R818,000) target to build the biggest skate park in Africa - with about $6k to go. 

"What has moved so many people is not only the distance but the reason behind it as he set out to build something bigger than himself: a safe skatepark for young people in Uganda." added Councillor Francine Higham who met the skateboarder along with a massive crowd at the City Bowl skate park. 

"He inspired so many South Africans who were reminded that kindness and reaching for a dream still matter. Here in Cape Town, we know the importance of safe, well-functioning sports and recreations facilities, whether it's a football field, softball pitch or a skatepark and that is why we continue to invest in these spaces across the City. We wish Jason all the best as he continues to fulfil his dream."    

And of course, in true Mzansi style, we had to inject some RSA humour into the mix. The 26-year-old reposted a funny Facebook video of a guy in a car approaching random people on skateboards, asking, “Jason, is that you?”

Jason departed Cape Town on Wednesday, but before leaving, he posted a heartfelt thank-you to all his South African supporters. 

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