On Saturday February 4, the Atlanta skateboarding community gathered at a DIY skatepark to raise funds for a friend in difficult times. Hosted by Stratosphere skateboards, hundreds of people attended.
Marlon Garcia is an Atlanta skateboarder loved by the Atlanta community. After tragic family passings, Marlon found himself in a position necessary to save his family home for himself and his younger brother. Funds from across the community have poured in, but help is still needed. If possible, please donate to the GoFundMe.
To raise funds for their comrade, a key player in Atlanta skateboarding stepped in to help. One hundred percent skater owned and operated, Stratosphere skateboards is an Atlanta skateboarding staple and has been since 1986. Located in Little Five Points, Strat has been working to grow and benefit the Atlanta skateboarding community for generations.
Known for their massive and wild events, Strat has a way of bringing people together unparalleled within Georgia and the Southeast. With sponsors like Nike SB, Vans skateboarding, Thrasher Magazine, and more, this event was no different.
Skaters of all orientations, ages, and backgrounds gathered to spend time together and support another person in their community. “It’s amazing to see so many different people out here,” said Kevin Rubio. “Everyone is so different and in each other’s way because it’s so busy, yet everyone is being so kind to each other.”
Hundreds of skaters were attempting to use the space at the same time, constantly getting in each other’s way. Yet even after falling or colliding, most were in good spirits. When one person was at fault for being in the way, both people apologized for their intrusiveness.
“Everyone is here to have a good time and support a member of our community. Taking away from that is kind of selfish, and that is no one here’s intention.” -Carter Bass, Georgia skateboarder
With multiple contests and events, hundreds of prizes from various sponsors were given out. Contests featured a five-dollar entry fee, with proceeds going toward Garcia and his family’s cause.Food and merchandise were sold with proceeds going toward the same place.
One of the events featured an obstacle at the space by interesting means. The green curved bench commonly referred to as the ‘AVE Bench,’ is a ledge that has been relocated by various people. Originally known for being skated by professional skater Anthony Van Engelen, this ledge is extremely popular in skate culture. So popular that it has been stolen from its original location in New York City. Appearing in Philadelphia, the ledge was even featured on Fox News. Shortly After being stolen again from Philadelphia, it appeared in Atlanta and continues to reside there.
If any funds can be spared for Garcia and his family, please donate.
