What happens when you bring 21 women and non-binary skaters together for a week of workshops at the ROLL Models Leadership Camp? A whole lot of joy, bonding, and early-morning dancing on the streets of Paris!

Picture this: you wake up at 7:30, grab breakfast, and join the ROLL Models for a downhill cruise through the sunlit streets of Paris. Your board hums beneath you as pop songs blast from a boombox, weaving between pedestrians and crossing the Seine. Along the way, you break into spontaneous dance circles, entertaining passers-by. By 9 a.m., you pull up to Les Amarres, buzzing with energy, ready for a day of lively discussions. This wasn’t a dream—it really happened! Here's what went down...

During the last week of August, Skateistan and Women Win hosted the ROLL Models Leadership Camp in Paris, bringing together 21 women and non-binary social skateboarding leaders from 10 countries across Europe. 

The Leadership Camp is a central part of the ROLL Models Program, which aims to create a safe space for the ROLL Models to share their stories, make connections, acquire new knowledge and boost their confidence.

Over five action-packed days, we held workshops related to running inclusive skateboarding programs and events, as well as on behind-the-scenes topics of sustainability, conflict mediation, and navigating challenges. 

On the evening of August 28th, the ROLL Models Advisory Board x SOA Paris organized a Women and Queer Skate Jam at Place de la Bastille, which 40+ non-traditional skaters took part in, doing their best tricks for prizes! A big thank you to Nozbone Skateshop, Palace, Vans, The Baby G Experience SB, and Skateistan for the prize donations.

The last two days of the event linked the ROLL Models up with Women Win's ONSIDE fund grantees, and were focused on exploring the broader sport and gender justice movement in Europe. 

Some particular highlights included a talk from guest speaker Dr. Haïfa Tlili, who presented her work in the movement against the French Hijab ban in sports. Engaging the group in discussions about effective strategies for pushing social movements forward, particularly in the context of inclusion, identity, and human rights. 

We also had the pleasure of taking part in an inclusive movement workshop led by Shabnam from Kabubu Paris, with some light fitness/dance warm up routines which can be adapted to the individual and to accommodate for a diverse group.

We are already seeing the broader impact of connections made during the Leadership Camp. Participants are visiting each other’s countries, planning collaborations, and using a shared calendar to document events. Our WhatsApp group helps maintain ongoing support and the exchange of funding opportunities, ensuring these relationships continue to grow.

Thank you so much to everyone who attended and shared their ideas, experiences and hearts throughout the five days. We were reminded of just how important it is to come together in person to share and exchange. Onwards and upwards!

A big thank you to Denia Kopita from Free Movement Skateboarding for taking the beautiful photos! A big thank you to the ROLL Models Advisory Board for co-creating the program, facilitating engaging workshops and everything else in between. Last but not least, a huge thank you to Women Win for continuing this wonderful collaboration with us.

Stay tuned on the Goodpush Instagram page for updates from the ROLL Models projects as they start to implement them in their locations across Europe.