Snowboarders of Solidarity
Snowboarders of Solidarity (S.O.S.) is a French based non-profit organization that helps snowboarders suffering from various forms of suppression in many corners of the planet. S.O.S. focuses mainly on snowboarders who are refugees from countries with political oppressions. They help these snowboarders start over wherever they end up by using snowboarding to help them fit into their new communities.
In 2021, they began helping snowboarders from risky spots, such as Afghanistan, where these athletes escaped from danger and threats. S.O.S. worked hard to help 15 members of the Afghan Snowboard Team. They got them visas, connected them to local snowboard groups, and supported their studies. They also worked on finding them snowboard gear and access to resorts to be able to train and keep their sport dream alive. S.O.S. also helped them with their mental health, which was tough after the scary things they went through. The S.O.S. team faced many challenges with the Afghan snowboarders, but step by step, they made it. These snowboarders found safety in Western countries. It's a new beginning for them.
"As the S.O.S president, I'm truly touched that a brand like Protest cares for our community. Because whatever our origins, we are all riders linked by the same passions and are part of the same community. So like sisters and brothers we need to be united and show some solidarity for the ones that are facing difficulties" - Victor Daviet.
In 2023 S.O.S. received a donation from the Protest Fun(d). The money from the Protest Fun(d) will be used by S.O.S. to support this kind of snowboarders in many ways:
- Keep their snowboarding dreams alive: pay for their travel, stay in resorts, and get ski passes so they can keep snowboarding.
- Provide gear: give them snowboarding stuff that sponsors may not cover.
- Help them learn French, because speaking French is important in France.
- Support mental health: pay for therapy.
- Assist with education: help them with their studies for a better future.
- Help with housing: give them money for a house deposit, for example.
S.O.S. isn't just about snowboarding. It's about giving hope to those who need it most. The money from the Protest Fun(d) will help S.O.S. keep helping these snowboarders to build a new and better life in their new countries.
To learn more about Snowboarders of Solidarity, visit their website.
