WATCH: Skateboarders gather in front of Sandiganbayan to ask for skate park

Around a hundred skateboarders gathered in front of the Sandiganbayan on Sunday morning not just to demonstrate their tricks and skills but to call on the Quezon city government to allot a skate park for them.

Despite Commonwealth Avenue's hazards, the skateboarders occupied one lane of the highway on their way to Quezon Memorial Circle.



The Circle Skate group said this high-risk move is their way of letting the Quezon City government feel how dangerous it is not to have a designated place for this recreational activity.

Group leader Marlou Lakindanum said the skateboarders have long asked for at least a 30-square meter park in Quezon Memorial Circle for them to train and execute stunts safely.

For 12 years, they have been constantly declined.

"Delikado raw po ang ginagawa namin kaya hindi nila kami pinagbibigyan," said Lakindanum.

In line with the celebration of the International Skateboarding Day, the group urged local officials to support their form of art and self expression.

They say it could be their ticket to joining international competitions and representing the country.

"Imbes po na magdrugs kami, at least ito nakakabuo kami ng maayos na samahan at makapagtrain na makasali sa international competition," said Lakindanum.

According to Quezon City administrator Aldrin Cuna, the city government cannot just construct a skateboarding facility in the Quezon Memorial Circle as it is under the National Housing authority.

Cuna added that parks in Quezon city have enough space for everyone, but that they simply cannot allot an area for a specific group.

"Hindi natin alam kung gaano kalaking skating rink ang kailangan nila. Baka mamaya pag pinagbigyan, iyong ibang grupo rin humiling ng sarili nilang lugar," he said.

Cuna also encouraged the skateboarders to protect themselves, especially when doing stunts.

Most of the skateboarders who joined the protest did not wear any protective equipment such as crash helmets, knee pads and elbow pads. — BM, GMA News