Russia's Nizhny Novgorod is currently hosting the BRICS Skate Cup, an international skateboarding festival running from 6 to 9 June as part of the Grand Skate Tour. The event features professional skateboarders from BRICS nations and other countries, showcasing their skills in a specially constructed skate park on the Lower Volga embankment and the "Goradrom" sports complex. This year's competition has attracted participants from 23 countries, including Egypt, Azerbaijan, Argentina, Bulgaria, Botswana, Belarus, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Colombia, Cuba, Lebanon, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Thailand, Turkey, South Africa, and Ethiopia. Tokyo 2020 Olympian and South African skateboarding team member Dallas Oberholzer praised the event's inclusive nature: "What made this unique was that it wasn't only about the big characters in skateboarding, but also about the little pieces that bind the whole. I was so stoked to enjoy these times with humble skaters, some who had never even left their country before this!" Legendary Brazilian skater and DC Shoes team rider Alex Carolino echoed Oberholzer's sentiments, highlighting the event's ability to showcase both established and emerging talent: "Where the Grand Skate Tour takes place, you can always see not only legendary skaters from different countries but also many talented young skaters. And BRICS Skate Cup 2024 — no exception. We promise to arrange a real show. See you at the Volga." Beyond the sporting competition, the BRICS Skate Cup offers a rich cultural program. The Contemporary Art Centre "Terminal A" is hosting documentary and video premieres, open lectures with international guests and Russian thought leaders in action sports, an exhibition of contemporary artists and photographers, and the unveiling of an art installation by Brazilian skate artist Renato Custodio. The installation will remain in Nizhny Novgorod as a gift to the city and its skateboarding community.
