Skateboard superstars bowled over by Aljada Skate Park

The biggest names in the world of skateboarding have declared themselves “stoked” with the world-class facilities at Aljada Skate Park in Sharjah as they prepare for the Street and Park 2022 World Championships, crucial qualifiers being held in the UAE for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The best in the world are descending on Sharjah for two ‘Road to Paris’ qualifiers in successive weeks, with the Street 2022 World Championships taking place from January 29 to February 5 , followed by the Park 2022 World Championships from February 5 to February 12.

The Road to Paris events have attracted the most talented skaters in the world – all 12 medal winners from the 2020 Tokyo Games have been confirmed to compete in high-class fields of over 300 contestants for the Sharjah qualifiers.

Many of the top names have arrived in the UAE already to prepare for the crucial Olympic-qualifying events.

The consensus on the Aljada Skate Park has been overwhelmingly positive.

Spread over six separate parks, the 90,000 square foot complex includes Olympic-level street and park sections complete with two 3.3m deep ends and other features including quarterpipes, a selection of stair rails, ledges and vert extension which will give the skaters freedom to express themselves.

Design elements have been inspired by some of the most iconic skate parks around the world, including Ariake Urban Sports Park in Tokyo, Bondi Beach and Salt Lake City, while the facility also includes smaller bowls, snake runs and street sections as well as infrastructure perfect for beginners and intermediate-level skaters.