<p><strong><em><span><span><span><span><span>What a treat it was to hold an in-person event with 20 other social skateboarding organizations from across Germany! From October 27-29th we gathered at the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/skatehalle.berlin/" target="_blank">Skatehalle</a> in Berlin to share ideas and knowledge, collective challenges and ways we can work to tackle them.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></em></strong></p>

<p><em><strong><span><span><span><span><span>Games on Skateboards</span></span></span></span></span></strong></em></p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>We kicked off the event in appropriate style with a workshop on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.goodpush.org/blog/skate-games-booklet-now-available-11-languages&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1636454972143000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ISTkKXkhwULwWdWoAbIpI" target="_blank">Skate Games</a>. For the same reasons many projects include skate games in their lessons, this helped us to warm up (the skatepark was a bit chilly!), get to know each other and build some trust. It was interesting to learn about the different contexts that skate games work well in and the various methods different organizations use to implement them. In busy, chaotic spaces with high numbers of participants it’s best to keep things structured and simple. In other more controlled environments, highly stimulating games can be beneficial in order to release energy before leading onto teaching more precise skills.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Depending on the groups of people you work with, the games can be changed and adapted for inclusion. For example, running simplified versions if there are language or communication difficulties, or to ensure participation of people with disabilities. We found that most projects present were already using skate games in their lessons, and those who weren’t went away with many ideas to try out! They can be a great asset to skate programs for the trust and companionship they build while encouraging participants to feel more comfortable and relaxed – on their boards and within the teaching space. On top of everything, they are a great way to break the ice and have some fun!&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
