Moments after Margielyn Didal bagged the first-ever women’s skateboarding-street gold in the Asian Games, the 19-year-old Cebuana had one request.
“Sana mag-iba ang tingin ng tao sa skateboarders,” the young phenom expressed.
“Babaguhin natin yung laro. Sana huwag na tayong hulihin sa daan!”
It has been said many times that the cash incentives that total to about PHP 6,000,000 would change her life, but it is her gold that will change the game.
For the past few years, skateboarders have been arrested, as they were seen as a disruption to both vehicle and foot traffic. But with skateboarding now an Olympic sport, the athletes need a place where they can hone their craft.
Upon hearing Didal’s request, the local government of Cebu listened.
Cebu City mayor Tommy Osmena went to social media platform Facebook to announce that the government will be building a skatepark for the skaters, bikers, and rollerskaters.
“Because of the awareness raised by people like you, Cebu City will be building a skate park in the SRP.
“My sister is personally donating 5M to your cause. As the expert, your input is of course welcome on the park’s design. Soon, people like you will finally have a place that is safe, free from traffic, and able to call your own,” declared Osmena.
Game changed indeed.
