Title
Recognizing Cohen Thompson, founder of Skate University, for his outstanding contributions and ongoing service to disadvantaged youth in his native West Philadelphia community.
Body
WHEREAS, Cohen Thompson founded Skate University in 2009 with an ambitious vision of uplifting at-risk children and youth in his community through roller-skating; and
WHEREAS, Thompson inherited a passion for skating from his mother and uncles - Craig and Skinny - who carried on the family tradition dating back to his great-grandmother; and
WHEREAS, Thompson, a native of West Philadelphia, credits skating with keeping him off the streets and sought to provide young people in his community with the same outlet; and
WHEREAS, Without any financial backing or outside support, Thompson launched the non-profit organization Skate University to make his vision a reality; and
WHEREAS, Thompson purchased dozens of roller-skates at his own expense and began organizing Skate University lessons for children and young adults free-of-charge; and
WHEREAS, Skate University, according to its organizational mission, seeks to not only equip kids with the ability to skate, but also teach valuable life skills including teamwork, self-confidence, and means to maintain both physical and mental wellbeing; and
WHEREAS, The project has consistently grown through the years, and Thompson recently worked to clean up the Granahan playground in West Philadelphia to use for skating lessons; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the potential of the project, Thompson began receiving outside investment and City support to transform the space into a bonafide skatepark and home of Skate University events and lessons; and
WHEREAS, Thompson also uses the space to hosts barbeques and community events which bring neighbors together and combat crime and violence; and
WHEREAS, In addition to giving back to his community and uplifting young people in Philadelphia, Thompson has been serving the public at-large...
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