The I2B Somerset West Skatepark

General information

Inspired2Become (I2B) focuses on developing the youth of South African. As of yet, I2B has focused on developing youth through two sport areas, namely athletics for people with disabilities as well as alternative action sports (skateboarding, rollerblading and skimboarding).

I2B was founded in 2010 by two brothers, Chris and Fanie van der Merwe. Chris is a qualified professional rollerblader and has competed in competitions around the world, including the Asian x Games and the Dubai X Games. Fanie, was a gold medalist at the 2008 and 2012 Paralympic games. These two brothers saw the need of South African youth to rise from the challenges their communities and their disabilities hold.

Chris focuses on alternative action sport clubs in different areas of the Western Cape. He runs skateboarding, rollerblading and skimboarding clubs in the following areas: Cloetesville, Strand, Gordon’s Bay, Somerset West, Kleinvlei, Macassar, Bonteheuwel and Belhar. Fanie coaches learners with disabilities from the Alta du Toit School as well as from the Pioneer School for the Blind.

During 2016 the focus areas have shifted from developing youth through sport to developing youth in general. Jami van der Merwe, a speech therapist that has worked at a special school in Mitchell’s Plain for 6 years, joined I2B team. She will be functioning as the administrative officer of the company as well as a project manager. Her aim is to start running therapeutic groups at schools in developing areas. Her focus will be on literacy and language therapy.

Inspired2Become has a lot of challenges and at times some obstacles but the reward of seeing children’s lives impacted and experiencing their moments of joy with them, is priceless!