JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville program that teaches girls life lessons and how to roller skate is asking for the community’s help.
Sk8hers Incorporated is looking for a permanent place to consistently meet several times every week.
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“We are just a team that is filled with joy and love,” said Shannon Royal, who is the executive director of Sk8hers Inc. “We are willing to spread that wherever we go.”
London Alexander is a sixth grader and is in her second year being a part of the program.
“This is my first time skating on quads,” Alexander said. So it’s been a really fun part of my life. Skating with these girls. They became my best friends."
Her friend Zola Marrow is in third grade. This is her first year with Sk8hers Inc.
“We get to skate around and express ourselves and be our true selves,” Marrow said.
They are two of the 21 girls between 8 and 18 years old who are members of Sk8hers Inc.
Royal established the group four years ago.
“The mission is to grow and improve health and wellness, education, recreation, and sisterhood,” Royal said. “[Rhythm skating] is something these young ladies can do for the rest of their lives wherever they go.”
Sk8hers Inc. also has workshops and educational sessions with various community outreaches that teach the girls other life skills.
Currently, Sk8hers Inc. meets once a week at Skate City on Arlington Expressway on Jacksonville’s Southside.
Royal said that the venue is great and has been accommodating, but because the business has additional demands, Sk8hers Inc. is looking for their own and private space where it can permanently and consistently meet at least three nights a week.
They are open to something like a skate studio or a spot with a big open area.
“We are very, very appreciative of [Skate City],” Royal said. “But I also understand that they have different events and things like that that take place. Sometimes, we do have to find and relocate in moments at the last minute.”
There are several times when Sk8hers Inc. has to adjust its plans on the fly.
In the past, the girls have skated on outdoor basketball courts, at parks, and even in parking lots.
“This group really provides a lot of joy for us,” Royal said. “I always talk to the girls about what is valuable. It is not about those things that you can go and buy. But is things that are in you.”
“You should not be afraid to express yourself,” Marrow said about what she’s learned so far. “It is okay to fall.”
Royal says their mission will continue no matter where they meet.