Young people interested in extreme sports will be delighted by the mini-ramp in the yard of the Ilmatsalu Youth Center

July 3, 2023

Thanks to the “For Youth” project fund, the Tartu Youth Work Center has built a mini ramp for young extreme sports enthusiasts in front of the Ilmatsalu youth center.

It all began on November 24, 2020, when the team of Ilmatsalu Youth Center went around Ilmatsalu as part of Youth Work Week to ask local youngsters spending time on the street, "What does Ilmatsalu need?". The youth center compiled the thoughts and wishes of Ilmatsalu residents in a simple questionnaire. Analyzing the questionnaires and feedback revealed that providing leisure opportunities for youngsters on the street is a very important topic for all residents. In the summer of 2021, three young people raised the issue of shortcomings in Ilmatsalu's leisure opportunities. They dreamed of a new skate ramp. The youth worker at the time, Rando, gathered 20 young people who were interested and contributed ideas to the project. The construction of the ramp has given new opportunities to young people interested in extreme sports in Ilmatsalu and its surroundings. It has also provided Ilmatsalu youth workers with an additional opportunity to reach youngsters who do not regularly visit the center.

Thanks to the Ilmatsalu mini ramp project, young people's sense of belonging and integration into the community has improved, and their mental health has improved through an active lifestyle. We have placed a particular focus on exercise this year, which is also the the Year of Movement , and we are working hard to get young people to exercise more. As a result of the Ilmatsalu ramp project, ~20 young activists joined forces for the general well-being of the community and young people in the surrounding area (town), participating in and carrying out regular activities to create the ramp. Previously, the Ilmatsalu Youth Center has collaborated with Rahinge Wakepark, located 4 km away, which offers opportunities for adventure sports and acrobatic extreme sports on and around Lake Rahinge.

Ilmatsalu small borough, formerly part of Tähtvere municipality, has been part of Tartu city since 2017.

Photos by Gerda Niitvähi

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