In a continent celebrated for its dominance in football, athletics, and long-distance running, Africa is now poised to redefine sporting excellence through niche sports like skateboarding, surfing, BMX biking, climbing, and e-sports. With one of the youngest and fastest-growing urban populations in the world, the continent is embracing new avenues for talent, self-expression, and community-building. Beyond the thrill of tricks, waves, and races, these emerging sports offer African youth a platform for creativity, innovation, and cultural leadership, while challenging narrow definitions of success and expanding the sporting landscape. As these disciplines gain momentum, they are not only shaping Africa’s athletic future but also opening doors to economic opportunities, global recognition, and a more inclusive vision of what it means to excel in sports today.
African Currents hosted an engaging discussion with two South African trailblazers in niche sports: Dallas Oberholzer, a professional skateboarder, and Simon Paton, International Business Development Manager for sporting events. They shared how their pioneering efforts are putting Africa on the map in emerging sports, inspiring youth, and turning unconventional disciplines into platforms for global recognition and opportunity.
"It's [skateboarding] a global culture, and it's ready to be shared. It's not being gate-kept. It's not held back by access to resources. Of course there is a balance, though; there's a very strong balance because having a skateboard on its own is enough to get started, but to progress to a level where you're able to compete and to represent your country on a global level, there needs to be some infrastructure in place, which would mean a skate park, a place for a community to start building because skateboarding is also very different and, as you said, a niche sport. Why is it a niche spot? Because you need a place of gathering for communities to build," Paton said.
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