Skateboard star gives youth tips to overcome peer pressure

A local non-profit organisation, Stand United SA in partnership with South African skateboard star, Brandon Valjalo, recently hosted a peer pressure talk event in Cedar Lakes to help youth overcome peer pressure.

Youngsters from Cedar Lakes and surrounding areas had the opportunity to meet and receive some tips on how to overcome peer pressure from Valjalo who will be heading to Tokyo 2021 Olympics Games in July this year to represent South Africa.

Valjalo urged youngsters who attended the event to follow their dreams and avoid being led by temptations to follow the crowd. “Everybody wants to fit in and be the cool kid. Everyone is different and being different and unique is cool,” he said.

“I chose to follow my dreams and have big ambition and not to listen to those around me when they said skateboarding will not get me anywhere. This year I’ll be representing South Africa at the Olympic Games because I chose what I love.

“As long as you are happy with your own identity and what you love, that’s all that matters.”

Stand United SA co-founder, Megon Schutte said the event was aimed at equipping youngsters with weapons to fight peer pressure. “As an organisation that strives to make a positive impact in communities, we decided to invite Brandon to share some tips with our youth on how to overcome peer pressure.

“He showed them some amazing moves like the kickflip and board slide among others. He also advised them on the best type of boards to purchase specifically for skateboarding and safety equipment needed while skateboarding.”