Training Update Skateboard Coaches Celebrated

Skateboarding’s newest crop of coaches now have all the tools needed for the continued development of the sport on the island for generations to come. Read the news clip here!

Skateboard Certification Arrived in Barbados Covered by Capital Media

Training Update Skateboarding on the Rise

Executive officer of the Skateboard Association of Barbados, Jade Niccolls, is working to get more girls involved in skateboarding. Read the news clip here!

Training Update Shout out from Shemar Moore Actor & Executive producer of “SWAT” TV series message to Jay Mandarino & CJs SKATEPARK

Training Update Johannesburg, South Africa 2019 with Skateistan

 

Jay Mandarino and Ulf Bein, Senior Facilitators for ISCP/SKATZ, had the honour of going to the Skateistan School & Facility in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the fall of 2019. They certified 6 instructors and 6 facilitators from several parts of Africa and Europe. The Skateistan organization was a great experience for everybody and we all learned and shared our best practices. Skateistan does amazing work and the staff and organization are unbelievable. We were humbled by the experience to work with such a great group of people.

Training Update Playa del Carmen, Mexico 2019 with Woodward

Jay certified 9 instructors and 3 facilitators level 1 at Woodward facility at Hard Rock Hotel in Playa del Carmen Mexico.

Training Update Lima, Peru 2019 with multiple Skate Schools from 14 districts of Peru and Ecuador, Chile and Brazil

 

In January 2019, Jay travelled to Peru to train and certify 29 skateboard instructors – 1 from Ecuador, 2 from Chile, 1 from Brazil and 25 from 14 districts in Peru – in ISCP (International Skateboard Certification Program)/SKATZ (Stance, Kicks, Axles, Transfers and Zen).

During one of the training courses it was pointed out that Peru’s President, Martín Vizcarra, was watching from across the street so Jay crossed over and introduced himself as a Canadian. Martín smiled and Jay said, “Yes, I know you used to be the ambassador to Canada for Peru and I heard great things about you.” Jay also said, “I love Peruvian people. Now, maybe I’m a little biased because my wife was born here.”

Jay then explained why he was in Peru training the instructors. He mentioned that there were instructors from 14 districts in Peru, all of whom thought very highly of the new President.

Jay asked if he would mind taking a group photo with them and the President was happy to oblige. Two of the local facilitators assisting Jay can be seen in the photo holding their course booklets.

Interestingly, one of the instructors teaches skateboarding to President Vizcarra’s nephew! Note that in South America a teacher is referred to as Professor. So when Jay teaches, he’s the professor of skateboarding – which sounds way better!

Training Update Surrey, British Columbia Canada 2019 at the World Freestyle Round-Up Skateboarding Championships

 

Jay Mandarino and Matt Williams, senior facilitators for ISCP/SKATZ were out in Surrey, British Columbia, at the World Freestyle Round-Up Skateboarding Championships which is held annually at the Cloverdale Rodeo.

Not only was Jay Mandarino competing in the Legends category (over 50 yrs.) where he placed 2nd, Jay and Matt delivered Level 1 of the International Skateboard Certification Program (ISCP)/Stance, Kicks, Axles, Transfers and Zen (SKATZ).

Monty Little, skateboard enthusiast and one of the key organizers of the freestyle event, helped arrange for them to offer their training & certification program. Jay and Matt trained 16 new instructors that weekend.

Hearing about the course prior to the weekend attracted skateboarders from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Alberta; Chile and all over Vancouver to become instructors. Even more exciting, 3 of the 16 participants were actually certified to be facilitators as well.

It was an excellent session and a first for the program as one of the instructors taking the course is autistic. He is our first autistic Level 1 certified instructor in the world. According to Jay, “He did a great job, contributed, had a positive attitude and we were all so proud of him.”

A lot of different things were covered during this training session. There was no shortage of skateboard talent or enthusiasm at this event. Everybody was pre-registered and came from all over to our course as well as to the competition. When other contestants heard about it they wanted to get their certification as well which they will have the opportunity to do next year when we return. Jay Mandarino is the President & Founder of the certification program and was the lead facilitator along with Matt Williams, senior facilitator in the organization.

Training Update Lake Bluff, Illinois USA 2018 with Asylum Skatepark

  Matt Williams traveled to Chicago, USA in July 2018, training five level 1 instructors at Asylum Skate park in Lake Bluff, Illinois.

Check out some of the images below!