Skateboard GB Unveils ‘biggest Ever’ Sponsorship Deal With Habito
Skateboard GB has unveiled online mortgage broker Habito as its Principal Partner in what it says is the largest sponsorship deal in UK skateboarding history.
The one-year deal will see SkateboardGB use the investment to develop ‘skateable spaces’ across the country, including DIY community projects and city centre skate spaces.
It will also see the NGB invest in a skateboard awards scheme to help facilitate more people taking up the sport, with a structured programme to help young people learn to skateboard.
Habito has been a SkateboardGB partner since 2019, when it sponsored the UK Skateboard Championships, and will also feature as Principal Partner to the GB National Championships in 2021 as part of the separate deal struck previously. The date for the 2021 event is yet to be announced, but is set to be the only Olympic qualifying event held in Great Britain this year, with competitors also vying for a £7,000 prize fund.
“We recognise the impact that skateboarding has in the regeneration and urban development of our towns and cities,” said Abba Newbery, CMO, Habito.
“As well as all the many physical and mental health benefits for individuals, a flourishing skateboarding scene can add to an area’s sense of community, to its culture, and make somewhere a great place to live. We’re passionate about supporting skateboarders at all ability levels and we hope more people will be encouraged to take part in this brilliant sport in the run-up to the Tokyo Olympics and beyond.”
James Hope-Gill, CEO of Skateboard GB said “We’re delighted and really excited to announce this purpose-led partnership with Habito. This is the biggest sponsorship in the history of UK skateboarding which will see grassroots skateboarders directly benefit from the investment”.
In addition to the Habito partnership, Skateboard GB has also announced the appointment of Chris Lawton as Skateboard Community Development Officer to lead on the skate spaces development project.
Lawton, who spent recent years developing the Lady Bay Skatepark and Radcliffe Skatepark, and who was also instrumental in turning Nottingham into a skateboarding hotspot, will work with groups to develop ‘skateboarding destinations’, with the aim of creating a number of skateboard facilities across the country over the next 12 months.
