The latest collage #girlscanskate everywhere in the US is probably the most intense one. When I did the collages of girls skateboarding around the world and girls skating in Canada – it was open.
However many girls from wherever. This time it’s 50 some girls – 1 from each state. There will be more than 50 because I have a girl skating in District of Columbia which is our countries capital and I’m hoping to get a picture from Puerto Rico and as geography is not my strength there’s probably other US territories.
Day one I received this picture from Rhode Island from amyliterock105. Right off I’m happy because Rhode Island was a state I didn’t have. Then I found out more about this picture. What’s @rollforrob Skate Camp?
There isn’t a camp – the picture is Rob & his daughters. But, Roll for Rob is very real. I want to share what Roll for Rob is because I’m constantly impressed by how generous skateboarders are and how you’re a skateboarder for life not just when you’re riding your board.
Rob Pontes is a loving husband and father of two young daughters, Avery and Oliva. On any given day he could be found skateboarding with his friends or putting on events for work. Other days would consist of 7am wakeup calls from the girls ready to run around outside to create beautiful family memories. Now, things are a little different. About two years ago Rob began feeling lethargic and developed other symptoms that doctors initially thought to be Lyme Disease… As these symptoms progressed Lyme Disease was ruled out, and doctors are now leaning towards the early stages of ALS. A once active guy, Rob now needs a wheel chair to get around on those family outings and the wheels on his skateboard have not rolled in two years. Simple chores around the house like laundry and dishes(yes he used to do them both!)can’t be done due to weakness throughout his entire body. Even kissing the girls goodnight before they go to sleep is physically draining.
Rob’s friends have raised over $40k in 19 months. I find over and over again skateboarders give back. There’s stereotypes about everything – the three I hope this blog shatters is
- Girls can’t skate
- Skateboarding is a crime
- Skateboarders are delinquent
Yes there are lemons in skateboarding – ask Beyonce there are lemons everywhere and sometimes good people do lemony things. We all have a choice to make lemonade.
I like to think I make lemonade by sharing inspiration. I certainly was inspired by this picture of Roll for Rob Skate Camp – Rob with his daughters Avery & Olivia.
And if you’re in Rhode Island on Sunday July 24th check this out & please share pictures with the blog.
Tell Avery I said Hi 🙂
UPDATE 6/8/16
The new #rollforrob decks are available for pre-order. Please tag your local shop. Any shop looking to pre order the boards please contact [email protected]. They will be for sale at the next event July 24th @civilprovidence and your local shop.