With this year’s Skate for Hope programme – which was “loaded with smiles, determination, and serious fun” – done and dusted, skaters can look forward to the annual grand slam.

In the 2026 Diamonds and Dorings Kimberley Diamond Cup (KDC) Grand Slam, over R900 000 in cash prizes can be won.

To be able to compete in the championship on 5 December in Kimberley, skaters can register to participate at one of six grand slam qualifiers that are taking place in several cities.

Only those finishing in the top three positions at each grand slam qualifier will earn their place in the championship.

Registration is already open for the qualifiers taking place on:

• 6 June in Bloemfontein;
• 27 June in Gqeberha;
• 4 July in Durban;
• 11 July in Kimberley;
• 15 August in Johannesburg; and
• 5 September in Cape Town.

The KDC is a premier showcase for amateur and professional skateboarding, and the Northern Cape Provincial Government hosted this international championship, originally known as the Maloof Money Cup, for the first time in 2011.

Creating safe spaces

As in previous years, Skate for Hope, the KDC’s flagship development programme, travelled through communities across the province – introducing children and teenagers to skateboarding whilst also creating spaces where they can grow socially and personally.

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This programme has been implemented to create awareness, identify talent and develop skills in this sport, with some participants who will eventually be able to qualify for the KDC.

Representatives of Skate for Hope visited, amongst others, Springbok, Upington and De Aar. The season culminated in Kimberley on 16 May, where the three top skaters in different categories battled it out.

• For more information, visit Kimberley Diamond Cup on Facebook.