Tony Hawk

1. Please explain what The Tony Hawk Foundation does and the importance of the Stand Up For Skateparks events?
We help low-income communities to get skateparks built by providing information, resources and funding. Skateparks are vastly important in communities with at-risk youth because it gives them a place to be active, social and creative. It also gives them a sense that their city cares about them.

2.What are some of the details on the upcoming Beverly Hills event?
It is a family-friendly event that includes activities, giveaways, rare auction items, music (Black Keys) and a skate exhibition featuring Bucky Lasek, Shaun White, Mitchie Brusco and Mat Hoffman.

3. What's the public's view on skateparks and what are you doing to help it?
There is sometimes resistance from city officials about building a park in their area, based on past stereotypes about skaters. But almost every time a park gets approved & built, the city officials realize how much use they get and the positive impact it has on the community; and they end up building more.

4. What has the feedback been like that you have received from the areas you have built your skateparks?
Very appreciative and excited. For many kids, it is the first time they have any experience working with their local government. And they feel empowered that they can create change and help their own communities by working with city officials.

5. My son is a big fan of your Twitter treasure hunts. Do you have more social media events planned?
Yes, we will probably do something around the holidays. And there are constantly surprise demos & appearances that will be made known first via Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

6. Have you ever thought of mobilizing your 2.5+ million twitter followers to do a mass "skate to work/school day" or something similar?
Nothing of that scale, but I encourage people to take part in "Go Skateboarding Day" each year. And I try to help other charities close to my heart (like Make-A-Wish) through social media.

7. What advice could you give a kid who can't even push on a skateboard?
Start slow, don't get too frustrated and believe in yourself. It doesn't matter how good you are as long as you enjoy it.

8. Where is the future of skateboarding headed and who is leading it?
The future is in global recognition and acceptance, and the International Skateboarding Federation is leading that movement. As far as tricks go, skateboarding continues to evolve; the sky is not