Episode #72: Kick Push - Empowering youth through skateboarding an interview with Mike Donelon of Action Sport Kids Foundation

In this episode we interview Mike Donelon, who is the founder of Action Sports Kids Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on empowering youth through the love of skateboarding. As a former City Councilman in Long Beach Mike heard it all, but one day he got the call - 'Mike there's these pesky skateboarders riding in front of my house and I don't know what to do!'. Given the man's reaction he was expecting vandalism or maybe even a fight. Mike paid them a visit and none of that was true. The kids were simply riding their skateboards in the neighborhood with their friends. This began the process to open the first public skatepark in Long Beach, it was uncharted territory, but he got it done. Since that day he's helped open 8 other skateparks and has seen violent crimes and drug related incidents drop significantly along the way. In 2011 he founded Action Sports Kids Foundation to provide auxiliary services to at-risk youth and empower them through community involvement. Skateboarding allows ASK to meet the kids where they are - the skatepark. Their program allows kids to be themselves, encouraging them to be their best, while also giving back to their community. ASK leads by example and is even used as a model across the country by the Tony Hawk Foundation. If you've ever wondered how powerful something like a skateboard can be then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect