Help New Zealand get to the World Roller Games

At the start of next month, a team of 8 people will be representing NZ in downhill skateboarding and downhill luge at the World Roller Games (WRG) in Barcelona, Spain. Everyone on the team is funding this from their own bank account and we could do with some help!

This is the first time downhill skateboarding and luge have been included in the WRG, and it is an exciting opportunity for us to show that downhill deserves to be in the 2024 Olympics alongside other skateboarding disciplines! There has been an enormous amount of progress in recent years with regards to the gear that riders use (both in terms of boards and safety!), skating technique, and professionalism. Downhill skating is an amazing sport not just to participate in, but also to spectate, due to the way it combines strength, balance, and smart racing tactics. You can see the movements of each racer, their frustrations if they make a mistake, their determination to get out in front, and their joy and relief as they cross the finish line.

Who are we? Team NZ includes six riders for the men's downhill skateboarding category, one for women's downhill skateboarding, and one for men's downhill luge: Callum Mathieson (Christchurch), Stephen Davis (Auckland) Dan Waterhouse (Nelson), Josh Evans (Auckland), James Robertson (Auckland), Neiden Mallard (Christchurch), Elissa Mah (Christchurch), and Lance Evans (Auckland). Collectively we have raced in more than 20 countries, have about 30 years of racing experience, and hold numerous sponsorships, regional titles and top 16 finishes.

We don't really expect to reach our fundraising goal, but this is barely a fraction of what it is going to cost the team to get to Spain and to race. Funds will be divided equally among all team members. This will go primarily towards travel and accommodation, with any extra donations (bless you lovely generous humans!) covering misc expenses such as wheels, griptape, bearings, food, etc. Every little bit counts!

We really value any help we can get with funding this trip and all donations are greatly appreciated! If you would like to contribute in a non-monetary form or to partner with the team, please don't hesitate to get in touch!