Guam Skate Network has been accepted into Guam’s National Olympic Committee as an associate member, marking a historic milestone for local skaters who may soon represent Guam in the Olympics. “We felt a rush of excitement and pride, like landing a long-practiced skate trick, knowing our work could elevate Guam’s skate scene globally,” Clayton Duvall, president of the Guam Skate Network, told the Pacific Daily News. Duvall called the recognition a transformative moment that legitimizes skateboarding as a competitive sport on Guam. With the Olympics in sight, the organization is now working to establish a competitive framework on Guam and host local qualifiers. Go Skate Day on June 21 An upcoming key event for aspiring skaters is the Go Skate Day competition, set for June 21. Duvall encouraged skaters to participate in this June event to prepare for the Guam National Championship set for December this year. Additionally, Guam Skate Network is awaiting approval from the local government for official tax-exempt status to begin fundraising and accepting donations that will help expand skateboarding on Guam and support future athletes in competitions. The organization first emerged from a skate session at the Tiyan Tennis Court, where founding members saw the potential to transform abandoned tennis courts into skateparks. From there, the group collaborated with local businesses to install solar lights and teamed up with artists to help create and maintain skateparks. The organization also provides mentorship and opportunities for those looking to join the sport. 'Rough crowd stigma' According to Duvall, the island skateboarding scene has had its ups and downs in dealing with cultural stigmas and a lack of community support. “Early waves in the 1970s through the 1990s saw passionate yet small communities struggle without skateparks or resources, often tied to a 'rough crowd' stigma,” Duvall said. “The 2010s brought growth, with the newly constructed Dededo Skatepark bringing hype and motivation back to the skateboard community.” The skating community also faces certain challenges as it turns a new page for the possibility of joining the Olympics. “Skateboarders in Guam face challenges like geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, cultural stigma, and economic barriers, all of which are amplified by the demands of Olympic competition,” Duvall said. Engaging with local businesses and international skate organizations, he said, will be key in propelling the Olympic dream forward. “By rallying around Guam Skate Network, Guam’s community can not only strengthen its skateboarding scene but also position its youth to chase Olympic dreams,” Duvall added.