Inclusive Skatepark Opens in Namibia
The “father of the German skateboarding scene” is creating a space for inclusion in Namibia with a skatepark for children with hearing, visual, and intellectual disabilities.
When Titus Dittmann discovered skateboarding in the late 1970s, skateboards were still virtually unknown in Germany, let alone widely available. To source boards and equipment for his small shop, “Titus Rollsport,” in Münster, he regularly undertook the long journey to California. Several years have passed since then, during which the Titus company has become the leading retailer of skateboards and streetwear.
Inclusion Through Skateboarding
But Titus isn’t just an entrepreneur; he also wants to share something he experienced early on: the inclusive power of skateboarding. After all, skateboarding knows no social background, ethnicity, language, or religion—it can be used just as effectively to support children and youth in Afghanistan or Africa as it can in projects here in Germany. And pulling off a trick on the board really builds self-confidence—especially for children with physical or mental disabilities.
For them, skate-aid opened Namibia’s first inclusive skate park this year. Located on the grounds of schools for children with hearing, visual, and intellectual disabilities, the skate park is entirely focused on inclusion. “Skateboarding not only empowers children, but also has the power to foster integration and inclusion.” By skating together, social barriers disappear and the focus is on having fun together, according to the skateboarding pioneer.
The Strength to Embrace One’s Weaknesses
Titus Dittmann’s commitment to children with hearing impairments didn’t come about by chance. A wild youth—during which it was considered cool to always stand right in front of theloudest speaker at a concert or in a disco—took its toll. “It became increasingly difficult for me to follow conversations, especially in meetings,” recalls the 70-year-old. In dealing with his own hearing loss, he has learned something fundamental: acceptance. After all, there’s no reason to go without hearing aids—they make life easier. “Hearing aids should be just as commonplace as glasses!” says Titus about these little technological marvels. Titus wants to pass on the strength to accept and cope with his weaknesses to children through skateboarding.
You can learn more about Titus Dittmann in our article “Skateboarding Pioneer with Hearing Aids.”
