Today I am super delighted to present this interview that for me is very special since it is a project mainly aimed at children. I invite you to learn more about this skateboarding school.
Astrid: Tell us what is the objective of this project called 'Patina y vive'?
Pedro: The objective of Patina y Vive is to train young people with purpose, through skateboarding (among everything that is skateboarding) teach them basic principles of everyday life, learn to live together, to relate, to value the environment, to get up from falls, etc.
Astrid: When was it created and who makes it up?
Pedro: In 2005 the first steps of Patina y Vive emerged, in 2011 the first videos began to be recorded. Pedro Mejias is the founder, and there are a large number of people who support the cause of 'Patina y Vive', family and friends. And most important of all the children who are added every day.
Astrid: Have you had or participated in events related to Skateboarding?
Pedro: Yes, skateboarding is our passion. We regularly hold competitions here and have participated in events in other states of Venezuela, Carabobo, Aragua and Caracas.
Astrid: Is the project aimed only at children?
Pedro: Children, young people and adults, if you want to learn Skateboarding you can get closer to where we are gathered regardless of age.
Astrid: Where in Venezuela are they located?
Pedro: We are in the state of Yaracuy, generally in the municipality of San Felipe and Independencia.
Astrid: How do you think this work influences society and the project participants themselves?
Pedro: Well, the Society often sees us as a problem "those guys on skateboards out there annoying" but that has been ceasing when they know us a little more and can understand that everything has a purpose, and that skateboarding is also an Olympic sport in which they are forming progressively.
Astrid: Any short-term and long-term goals for this project?
Pedro: In the short term, maintaining continuity is a daily goal, since skateboarding is a sport that has a lot of spending on shoes and boards, and in this current economic situation, every skateboard day is a victory. In the long term, as an addition to all the effort of the present I hope that children who wish to be professionals in skateboarding but also in other areas.
Astrid: From what age do you think a boy or girl can learn to manipulate a skateboard?
Pedro: Since he manages to walk, balance is fundamental for the human being, if he can already walk, he can also start working on balance.
Astrid: Any message for adults, young people and children who want to start and maybe do not do it yet because of taboos or lack of support?
Pedro: Skate, have fun, enjoy this gift from God, everything that seems difficult is becoming accessible with effort, with patience and little by little you will achieve everything you propose.
Astrid: Would 'Skate and Live' do this for life?
Pedro: Definitely yes, that is the latent desire during all this time, to do this until the end of life.
Thank you Pedro for this beautiful work and for allowing me to make known a little more about it. Follow it on your networks and enjoy!
Social media:
Instagram: @patinayvive
