The WSF is accepting grant applications until August 31 with the World Championships set to take place at the Kimberley Diamond Cup, presented by Kumba Iron Ore, from October 7 to 10.

"It became evident to us last year that there is a lack of organisation, funding and resources in many countries in getting their top skateboarders to international events," said Tim McFerran, President of the WSF.

"If you’re a top skater in your country then you deserve to be in the World Championships and with the support of the World Skateboarding Federation we will ensure you are able to get to South Africa to represent your country."

The 2014 World Championships, also held in Kimberley, saw 250 skateboarders from 37 countries compete.

This year, event organisers expect to break the record for the most countries represented in any competition with upwards of 50 countries projected to contest the Women’s Street Championships, Men’s Street Championships and Vert Championships.

Skaters can earn spots at the Skateboarding World Championships by finishing in the top 10 of notable international events such as the Mystic Cup in Prague, Copenhagen Pro, the Turkish Skateboarding Championships, Bryggeriet Malmo and others around the world.

Top finishers from events in the United States, including X Games, Dew Tour, US Skateboarding Championships and Street League, will also secure places at the Skateboarding World Championships.

Additionally, the first day of the competition will feature an open qualifier giving skaters from around the world the opportunity to force their way into the Skateboarding World Championships and represent their country as they compete for the largest cash prize in skateboarding at over $500,000 (£321,000/€455,000).

Countries and their top skateboarders are invited to email their request for a travel grant to [email protected] before the August 31 deadline.

In June, roller skating was confirmed as one of eight sports put forward to the second stage of the application process for Tokyo 2020 Olympic inclusion.

It is understood that skateboarding as well as speed skating have been proposed as potential roller skating disciplines, although neither the International Roller Skating Federation (FIRS) nor Tokyo 2020 have revealed any details. 

The FIRS is due to brief Tokyo 2020 organisers in the Olympic and Paralympic Games host city on Friday (August 7) and Saturday (August 8), along with the International Federations of baseball and softball, bowling, karate, sport climbing, squash, surfing and wushu.

An unspecified number will then be proposed to the International Olympic Committee next month, before a final decision is due to made by its membership at its Session in Rio de Janeiro in August of next year.


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