The Security Centre Limited is sponsoring the Cayman Islands Skateboard Association in a bid to develop the sport of skateboarding in the Cayman Islands and maintain a youth centre at the Black Pearl Skate Park. The park offers many activities, such as skateboarding, scooter, BMX, basketball, fuss ball, table tennis, board games and more.

On April 23, 2005, the world’s greatest professional skater Tony Hawk officially opened The Black Pearl Skate Park which was ranked the largest skate park in the Western Hemisphere and the 2nd largest in the world and has a vision of inspiring the community to live happier and healthier lives, in a positive and productive environment, by providing exceptional opportunities to play, learn and grow.

TSCL have very happily supplied helmets to the park to assist in keeping these youngsters safe while having loads of fun.

We caught up with Michael Myles, Chairperson of the CI Skateboard Association and Manager of the Black Pearl Skate Park to find out a bit more about the Skate Park.

We found out the reasoning as to why this is a massive goal for the CISA as Michael explains;

‘In 2011, I establish a national after school programme for the Ministry of Education. Over 1500 young people enrolled in 9 programmes island wide including Cayman Brac.  Skateboarding became a very popular activity in the programme.  Sadly, the park was unkept, drug/alcohol infested and a lot of anti-social behaviour.  The owner, Mike Bell, who passed away approximately 2 years ago, asked me to take over the management.  I was a little intimidated because I had no knowledge about the sport of skateboarding.  As I thought about taken it over, I realised that I can expand the park into a Youth Community Centre.  In 2013, I established the non-profit, CI Skateboard Association and began transforming the park into a youth community centre that children can have access to multiple activities.’

Michael defines CISA’s Mission;

‘The Mission of the Cayman Islands Skateboard Association is to maintain a world class skatepark in the Cayman Islands; to keep the park a healthy, safe environment, free of graffiti and litter while fostering self-confidence, good health, strength and pride with the youth of our islands.’

We asked Michael, how does the skate park help shape the Cayman community?

The park is the one place where many young people visit and socialise.  Our children arrive from every school on island, all districts, socio-economic status etc.  The become friends, they teach each other new tricks, they socialise, have dinner, laugh and enjoy.  Parents can also afford to visit the park.  There is no place on island that a child can pay $5 and stay up to 6 hours per day while being supervised.

Last of all we asked, what can the kids and parents expect to get out of a visit to the skate park and how can people get involved?

‘They can expect to have a lot of fun and be served by a respectful, courteous team of young people.

Anyone who would like to be involved can get in contact by calling 939 1301.’