American skateboarder Jason Vanporppal is set to complete a remarkable cross-continent journey in Cape Town after skating more than 6 400km across Africa.
Vanporppal, from Paramount in California, began his trip in Kampala, Uganda, in February. His mission was clear: raise funds to help build what he described as the “biggest skatepark in Uganda”.
The journey took him through Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana before he entered South Africa. In Mzansi, he passed through Johannesburg, Kroonstad, Bloemfontein, Beaufort West, Richmond, Laingsburg, Worcester and Paarl.
Fans lined roads in several towns to cheer him on as he pushed toward the Mother City.
Why Jason Vanporppal took on the journey
Speaking to Independent Media Travel, Vanporppal said Ugandan skaters Isaac and Ephraim inspired the idea.
“I was inspired to do this project because the guys that I originally started pushing with, Isaac and Ephraim, they’re from Uganda and they shared a lot about it with me,” he said.
“When I went there and saw it with my own eyes, I realised the skate community lacks resources.”
Vanporppal said many young skaters in Uganda have to practise on dirt roads and in public spaces. He said they are sometimes chased away because of the noise.
“These kids are skating on dirt. Sometimes they get kicked out by locals because they’re too loud,” he said.
“So we decided, let’s build a really big skatepark, not just for those kids, but for all of Africa.”
South Africans rally behind his final push
Vanporppal’s South African leg became a moving show of support. Along the way, he embraced local culture and even had his first braai.
He left Worcester on Sunday morning before starting his final push from Paarl on Monday. His expected arrival in Cape Town also falls on Africa Day.
Vanporppal’s fundraiser is also close to the finish line. The GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $30 000 toward its $35 000 target, about R590 000.
Before leaving Worcester, Vanporppal thanked supporters for backing the journey.
“Thank you all. I’m in a blessed position, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” he said.
“You guys have shown what Africa is all about. We are changing the world little by little.”