With his skateboard, a mission in mind, and thousands of kilometres behind him, Los Angeles skateboarder Jason Vanporppal has officially rolled into Johannesburg as part of his skating journey across Africa to raise money to build a skatepark in Uganda.

He is being hosted in Fourways by Idle Auto Expo through their NPO, Blessing Lives, which has stepped in to support his stay and help shine a spotlight on his ambitious goal.

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Vanporppal said he was trying to think of something people would say was impossible while raising money. “And for me, that was skateboarding across Africa.”

Before taking on this challenge, Vanporppal completed two major fundraising journeys.

He skated across the United States from Venice Beach to Times Square in 76 days, raising about R499 000 and donating over 100 skateboards to underprivileged youth.

In Japan, he raised an additional R166 000, helping provide 200 skateboards to charities in his hometown of Los Angeles.

But it was his connection with two Ugandan skaters that inspired his next move.

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“They told me how hard it is, struggling for boards and proper places to skate, but with so much talent. That’s when I knew I wanted to come to Africa and do something bigger.”

Together, they aim to build a permanent skatepark in Uganda, where the skate scene is growing but lacks safe and reliable facilities. Many young skaters currently practise on rough terrain with limited equipment.

“They skate on dirt and broken surfaces, but they still have passion. They don’t complain, they just love it.”

For Vanporppal, skateboarding is more than a sport; it’s a tool for transformation. “It saved me from a lot. It teaches you how to fall and get back up. That’s what life is about.”

He believes a skatepark could offer far more than a place to ride; it could open doors.

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“My first time at a skatepark changed everything for me. It showed me what’s possible. That’s what we want for these kids.”

Despite the physical demands of skating thousands of kilometres, Vanporppal said his purpose kept him moving forward. “This is bigger than me. I’m doing it for the next generation.”

Idle Auto Expo said supporting Vanporppal was an easy decision.

“This is about more than skateboarding; it’s about creating opportunity, inspiring youth, and building community. If someone is willing to take that level of personal risk to help others, it deserves support.”

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