GIRLS SKATE! Tour 2026

As part of the two-week GIRLS SKATE! Tour through Saxony, skateboarding workshops specifically for girls were offered at various schools, youth centers, and skate parks. The goal of the tour was to make skateboarding more accessible to girls, build their self-confidence, and foster social skills and a sense of community. Overall, a broad and diverse target group was reached, with significant interest and a high demand for such programs evident in both urban and rural areas.

In Leipzig, workshops were held at the 9th Elementary School with around 20 participants. It was notable here that there were isolated protests from boys, underscoring the importance of gender-specific safe spaces. At the same time, the school expressed a clear need for regular, ongoing workshop offerings. Seventeen female students participated at the Ernst-Zinna-Schule, a school specializing in learning support. Here, it became apparent that exclusionary dynamics among the children are partly influenced by political attitudes from their parents’ homes, which further highlights the importance of inclusive, community-building projects.

A workshop was held at the AJZ in Chemnitz, attended by five girls. The venue offers excellent conditions for skateboarding, and plans are underway to build a new skate park there in the future. At the same time, local stakeholders highlighted existing challenges in the political environment that make youth work more difficult.

In Dresden, between 35 and 40 participants were reached at an elementary school with an attached after-school care center. Particularly noteworthy here is the cross-school composition of the group, which fostered an inclusive atmosphere and brought together participants from diverse social backgrounds. Another workshop at the Campus Cordis comprehensive school, with ten participants, was characterized by particularly significant individual learning progress.

In Riesa, a workshop with 20 participants was held in cooperation with Outlaw GmbH. The on-site conditions were extremely positive: a well-equipped skate park and comprehensive support, including meals, beverages, and musical accompaniment—created ideal conditions. At the same time, attention was drawn to structural challenges in collaborating with political decision-makers that hinder sustainable youth work.

In Hoyerswerda, the workshop took place at Kulturfabrik Hoyerswerda e.V. with eleven participants. The group was characterized by high motivation and mutual support. In addition, a donation was raised, underscoring the local appreciation for the project. The high demand for regular course offerings and improved skate infrastructure was particularly evident here.

The tour concluded with a workshop at the Seifhennersdorf skate park, attended by five participants. The park generally offers excellent conditions, and the girls who participated already possessed a relatively high level of skill. At the same time, conflicts with the park’s operator complicated the event’s execution and underscore the need for reliable cooperative structures.

In summary, the GIRLS SKATE! Tour clearly demonstrates that there is significant interest and a growing need for specific skateboarding programs for girls. The workshops not only taught athletic skills but also created spaces for empowerment, social interaction, and personal development. At the same time, structural challenges became apparent, particularly regarding political frameworks and the lack of sustainable funding structures. Continuing and expanding the tour would make it possible to build on existing successes, establish long-term programs, and open to physical activity, community, and self-efficacy for even more girls.