Vietnam seems to play second fiddle to its more developed SE Asian neighbors when it comes to sporting events. In what is hopefully a signal of this trend’s reversal, the World Skateboarding Federation (WSF) has announced that Da Nang will host the first-ever Southeast Asia Skateboarding Championships in 2016.
The event is part of the World Skateboarding Grand Prix and those participating will be vying to qualify for the 2016 Skateboarding World Championships. Part of the program also features the Vietnam National Championships that will crown the best of the domestic crop of skateboarders, according to Inside the Games.
The sports website reports that the Southeast Asia Skateboarding Championships will get some serious international airtime as it will be broadcasted in 173 nations across the globe.
To facilitate the event, a specially designed skate park is in the works and will act as the base for the World Skateboarding Grand Prix’s new development program in Vietnam.
“Da Nang is a beautiful city with some of the most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen with miles of pristine beaches,” WSF President Tim McFerran said, adding, “This is going to be a tremendous asset to the local community, all of Asia, and will further support and grow the local skateboarding industry in Southeast Asia.”
[Photo via Khoi Tran]
