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The first ever skatepark in Baghdad<\/a> is set to open next week, on February 1.<\/p>\n Located at the grounds of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the Iraqi capital\u2019s centre, entry will be free-of-charge for the public.<\/p>\n The skatepark<\/a> has been five years in the making, and is being constructed by the Make Life Skate Life<\/a> project, in collaboration with Baghdad Skatepark Project, Un Ponte Per, Iraq\u2019s Ministry of Youth and Sports, Suli Skatepark and others. <\/p>\n There will be ramps and obstacles for skaters from beginner to advanced levels, with design being headed up by Austrian company East by West.<\/p>\n Commenting on its opening, Ishtar Obaid of the Olympic Committee said: \u201cWe are thrilled to introduce Baghdad\u2019s first skatepark, which will provide a safe and welcoming environment for all our youth to express themselves and engage in mental and physical activity.<\/p>\n \u201cThis park represents more than just a place to skate,\u201d she continued. \u201cIt symbolises a space for creativity, connection and hope.\u201d<\/p>\n Safeen Mohammed of Iraq\u2019s first skatepark, Suli Skatepark, said: \u201cSkateboarding is not just a sport; it builds community. Finding a place in Baghdad to build a free and public skatepark was incredibly challenging.<\/p>\n \u201cIt took more than five years of persistence, but finally the dream of hundreds of skaters living in Baghdad will come true,\u201d he added. \u201cThe skateboarding community in Iraq will grow from here.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n