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News from the Snoubar Skatepark has just arrived from Arne Hillerns, founder and co-executive director of Make Life Skate Life.
Back in 2021, SkatePro supported the establishment of Snoubar Skatepark, Lebanon’s first public skatepark. Today, almost five years after the opening, the Make Life Skate Life program is still rolling thanks to the dedication of a local group of skateboard coaches.
While a lack of communal spaces in Beirut was a major motivation behind the establishment of the Snoubar Skatepark, the tragic 2020 explosion that caused the displacement of hundreds of thousands of citizens was also a circumstance that influenced the initiative.
To offer relief from the ongoing displacement crisis, Make Life Skate Life established a refugee program with free skateboard lend-outs and three weekly lessons for boys and girls together with the local NGO, Just Childhood, immediately after the opening of the skatepark.
Snoubar Skatepark Anno 2026
In April this year, Arne Hillerns and a delegation from Make Life Skate Life arranged a meetup with the group of local heroes that keep the skateboarding lessons and the community thriving after all these years. Sadly, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East forced the postponement of the trip, as for a while, it simply was not safe to travel to Beirut, let alone keep the lessons going.
Despite the devastating and tense situation in Beirut, the local coaches refused to call it quits, and they bravely resumed their skate lessons as soon as the situation allowed it. In mid-May, Arne eventually decided that it was safe to go.
Before heading out, Arne reached out to SkatePro for gear urgently needed to keep their skate lessons running. We happily donated a batch of complete skateboards and protective gear that he delivered in person.
After his return from Beirut, Arne shared an update with us about his trip and the state of things at Snoubar:
“I got to spend 4 days on the ground checking on the skate program and delivering new gear. The gear is used for the MLSL weekly free skate classes that are being run by the local skate coaches Mike, Bersh, Reine and Nour.”
The program at Snoubar consists of three weekly skate classes. Two are mixed and one is girls-exclusive, with the intention of nourishing a low-pressure environment that encourages girls to start skateboarding. Participants are aged between 5 and 45, Arne told us.
For almost five years now, the lessons have been an invaluable mental escape and a rare chance to heal and be kids again. The local coaches are creating a true sanctuary for displaced youth: a place where friendships can thrive across different backgrounds and where social barriers are torn down.
Hundreds of individuals have participated in classes, and even more have enjoyed the skatepark, which is open and free to the public 24/7. The current crisis only heightens the need for initiatives that offer relief:
“The skate classes are very important for all participants as they allow distraction from the war and the general difficult and tense situation in the country. Skateboarding helps them relieve stress and forget about the war.”
We are proud to contribute to a community that keeps thriving against all odds. A massive thank you to MLSL and the local skaters at Snoubar for everything they do!
