etnies has teamed up with autism groups Autism Speaks and A.Skate Foundation to present for a skateboarding clinic on April 2, 2011 at the etnies Skatepark in Lake Forest, California. Four one-hour clinics will be offered at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Kids of all ages are welcome to attend!
“By providing a day of skate clinics, kids on the autism spectrum will be given the opportunity to learn how to skateboard, an activity that requires no team or competitive coaching,” said Don Brown, senior vice president of marketing for etnies. “Skateboarding is an individual activity and ideal for kids on the spectrum because they often struggle with social interaction. As a brand started and still run by a world-championship skateboarder Pierre-André Senizergues, etnies is so happy to be teaching what we know to kids that deserve a window into the world of skateboarding where we are all the same, whether you are on the spectrum or not.”
For more information on the Skate Clinics or on Austism Speaks and A.Skate Foundation follow the jump.ETNIES, AUTISM SPEAKS AND A.SKATE FOUNDATION TO HOLD SKATE CLINIC ON WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY
March 28, 2011 (Lake Forest, CA) – etnies, Autism Speaks and the A.skate Foundation are uniting on World Autism Awareness Day (Saturday, April 2nd) to host fun-filled skate clinics for kids on the autism spectrum at the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest. Four one-hour clinics will be offered at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Kids of all ages are welcome to attend!
“By providing a day of skate clinics, kids on the autism spectrum will be given the opportunity to learn how to skateboard, an activity that requires no team or competitive coaching,” said Don Brown, senior vice president of marketing for etnies. “Skateboarding is an individual activity and ideal for kids on the spectrum because they often struggle with social interaction. As a brand started and still run by a world-championship skateboarder Pierre-André Senizergues, etnies is so happy to be teaching what we know to kids that deserve a window into the world of skateboarding where we are all the same, whether you are on the spectrum or not.”
etnies, together with Autism Speaks, North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, and the A.skate Foundation, an organization that allows children with autism to be a part of our social world through skateboarding, aim to provide children on the spectrum with a new outlet to express themselves while also raising awareness about this very important disorder affecting one in 110 children.
To register a child for a clinic, please visit http://events.autismspeaks.org/etnies. Directions to the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest, more information on the event and a clinic FAQ can be founder here: http://etni.es/be7.
etnies and Autism Speaks, who currently share a partnership on co-branded shoes which will provide proceeds from sales to Autism Speaks, feel honored to also unite with A.skate to achieve the mutual goal of raising awareness of autism prevalence.
To keep up with etnies, please visit etnies.com.
About etnies:
Established in 1986, etnies is the first skateboarder-owned and operated global action sports footwear and apparel company. etnies not only pushed the envelope by creating the first pro model skate shoe, but it pioneered technological advances and changed the face of skateboard footwear forever. Today, etnies’ vision, led by owner and skateboarder Pierre-André Senizergues, is to remain the leading action sports company committed to creating innovative products that provide the most style, comfort and protection possible. etnies stays true to its roots by sponsoring world class skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, moto x, BMX and auto teams and continues its dedication by giving back to each of these communities. For additional information, visit etnies.com.
About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception in 2005, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $160 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks has created resources and programs including the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, Autism Speaks’ Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, which Autism Speaks celebrates through its Light it Up Blue initiative. Also, Autism Speaks award-winning “Learn the Signs” campaign with the Ad Council has received over $258 million in donated media. Autism Speaks’ family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit and a community grant program. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government’s response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments in 24 states thus far, with bills pending in an additional 14 states. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.
