Skateboarding documentary in line for award

9:10am Tuesday 24th June 2008

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Skateboarding is fast becoming a sport to deter young people from a life of crime.

At least that's the hope of 35-year-old Paola Desiderio whose documentary following young people's passions in the skate park has been shortlisted for an award.

Ms Desiderio, from Harringay, has seen first hand how this cheap and challenging interest in skateboarding can turn people's lives around, so she decided to document some individual experiences as an example to others.

She said: "I had the idea to make a film against gang crime because I keep seeing these young people being killed by other young people.

"I decided skateboarding could be the alternative. It's not very expensive and everybody can do it. Joining a gang is not cool, but skateboarding is.

"If only they could realise hanging in a gang was not cool, how many lives would be saved?"

Ms Desiderio believes skateboarding can give young people a different kind of role model. She said: "I thought a role model for them that was different from somebody they just saw in the street would be good.

"Tony Hawk is the legend in skateboarding, the most famous skateboarder on the planet and a little boy's superhero."

Mr Hawk, 41, a professional skateboarder interviewed on camera during a competition in Birmingham, said people need to look beneath skateboard's preconceptions. He said: "Anyone that says skating is a bad influence for young people just hasn't looked deep enough into skating, because it's so diverse.

"You just have to look beyond the preconceived notions and connotations people put on skateboarding and look deeper at the people who do it - they're amazing."

Ms Desiderio added: "The atmosphere at the park is so good. There should be more spaces like that. It's monitored by the kids, they have to make their own rules and take their own responsbility.

"I hope Rollin' On can inspire kids to keep away from guns and knives and not to throw away their lives through crime.

"On the other hand I hope the film can inspire decision makers and politicians to make the right choices when it comes to building spaces where kids can play."

Rollin' On is one of six films shortlisted for ITV Local's Best of the Borough film awards. The public can vote on the nominated films and view them at www.itvlocal.com/london/bobs. Voting closes at 4pm on Monday, June 30.

Haringey councillor Kaushika Amin, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: "I am very pleased that Haringey is going to be represented at the awards ceremony and congratulate Paola on making it to the final six.

"Rollin' On looks at very important and very relevant issues, and I hope residents in Haringey - and beyond - will now get behind the film and vote for it."