Folkestone Academy is celebrating an exciting new addition to its campus facilities, receiving a generous donation of four custom-built skateboards for students to use on its brand-new skatepark.
Engineering Firm's Generous Gift
Jackson Civil Engineering, the company currently working on the Folkestone Levelling Up project, gifted the specially designed skateboards to the school's skateboarding club. The innovative boards were assembled and designed by the firm's own engineers during a team-building exercise organised in collaboration with charity team building company O3E to celebrate Engineers Day.
A team from Jackson visited the academy to personally deliver the skateboards and see the new facility in action. The visit was particularly significant as the skatepark represents the first of its kind to be located within school premises in the region.
MP Visit and Community Support
The school was doubly pleased to welcome Folkestone and Hythe MP Tony Vaughan, who attended to see the skatepark being used by students. Mr Vaughan witnessed firsthand how the facility provides young people with new opportunities for physical activity and personal development.
The skatepark itself, which was completed in September, was funded by the charity Friends of Folkestone Academy (FFA). This organisation supports both Folkestone Academy and Folkestone Primary School in their mission to create engaging educational environments.
Building Confidence Through Sport
Ben Williams, head of school at Folkestone Academy, expressed his gratitude for the donation, stating: "We are very grateful to Jackson Civil Engineering for their generous gift of four skateboards. We were also delighted to welcome Mr Vaughan to Folkestone Academy to see the difference it is making to our young people."
He added: "The skatepark, completed in September, reflects our commitment to creating a school environment that is relevant and engaging for our students - both in and out of the classroom."
A spokesperson for Jackson Civil Engineering explained their motivation: "Folkestone Academy's skatepark is one of several initiatives designed to promote sporting activities within the Turner Schools Trust. It was nominated by O3E to receive the four skateboards for the southern region, in recognition of its status as the first skate park within a school premises and the commitment of the management team to providing outdoor sporting facilities that encourage young children's participation in sports locally."
MP Tony Vaughan shared his positive impressions: "It was fantastic to see the skatepark in person; the club is giving students an outlet to try something new in a safe environment. I think it's important to nurture the development of young people, building a sense of confidence and resilience at an early age."
The donation and new facility represent a significant step forward in providing diverse sporting opportunities for young people in the Folkestone area, supporting both physical health and personal development through alternative sports.
