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East County News Service
April 5, 2017 (San Diego) -- Jonah Bonner, a student at San Diego State University, is taking a unique spring break. He’s teaming with The Sheckler Foundation, Red Bull, social activists Journey and DIVERTcity as part of a program giving college students the opportunity to help build a skate park for an underserved community in Costa Rica. Adding star power to the trip is famed skateboarder Ryan Sheckler who will help break in the new park.
Bonner is one of 16 hand-selected students by Red Bull to join the trip, based on applicants who creatively showcased how they have or would like to make an impact on a community important to them. The winners ranged from an American University vlogger who addresses LGBTQ+ issues via videos on his YouTube channel to a student at Western Washington University who took a year off from school to serve with Youth with a Mission, providing care and resources for homeless youth and adults in Ethiopia. Each student has a unique background and story, yet all share the same passion to make a positive impact and inspire those around them.
Bonner’s life mantra is “it’s all about experiences.” After a trip representing the United States at the World Age Group Championships for trampoline in Denmark, he learned the rigorous hardships and struggles other athletes from around the globe have to endure. “It planted a motivation in me to help children live more fulfilling childhoods, and now I’m itching to carry that motivation out in Costa Rica”,” Bonner said.
The adventure aimed to be a true 'body & mind' experience with the first half of the trip being a full immersion into the local community to build the park followed by a trip to the coast to reflect on the experience, further build connections and community with locals & fellow trip attendees.
In addition to leaving the new skate park behind, the local community will be left with resources for years of education, training, equipment in addition to new murals and gardens that beautify the area.
For more information about the Journey visit: http://wejourney.co/action-sports/
Full winner list: http://impactspringbreak.redbull.com/
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About DIVERTcity
DIVERTcity believes in the transformative and inspirational power of action sports. Sadly, participation is out of reach to many, especially those in large urban populations. We’re here to break down those barriers by developing action sports facilities around the world.
More Info: http://www.divertcity.co/
About Journey
Journey creates impact travel experiences to international and domestic destinations. Our projects range from building homes, skate parks & soccer-fields, to beautifying schools & creating clean water systems. The travel experience is designed around self-growth, community development & exploration, achieved through local immersion.
More Info: http://wejourney.co/
About The Sheckler Foundation
The Sheckler Foundation was established in 2008 as a way for Ryan, his family, friends and business associates to give back to the community and action sports industry they love. The mission is to support great causes that directly benefit and enrich the lives of children and injured action sports athletes, inspiring them to “Be the Change”!
More Info: http://www.shecklerfoundation.org/
AMI GAN
Activation & Communications Manager, Brand
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