Tura, February 11 : Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the Nokrek Skate Park at Tura Government College, marking a significant step toward strengthening sports infrastructure and youth engagement in West Garo Hills.
The facility has been developed under the Sports Infrastructure Development initiative as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme of Decathlon. The project was implemented by OneStage in collaboration with Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) with the aim of promoting alternative sports and creating a dedicated recreational space for young people in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister expressed appreciation for the collective efforts of Tura Government College, local stakeholders, and partner organisations in completing the project successfully.
Recalling that he had laid the foundation stone for the skate park nearly a year ago, Sangma said, “There is satisfaction in seeing the completion of a project for which the foundation stone has been laid. It gives me pleasure to be present for both occasions.”
Reflecting on his vision of governance, he added, “I believe in development that we can feel, not merely hear about or see on paper.” He noted that seeing students actively use the facility was encouraging and demonstrated the true purpose of such initiatives.
The Chief Minister pointed out that many young skateboarders are compelled to practise in public spaces due to the absence of proper infrastructure. He expressed confidence that the new skate park would fulfil this long-felt need.
Emphasising the importance of constructive engagement for the youth, he stated, “It is not enough to tell our youth what not to do. We must also provide them with alternatives and create the necessary ecosystem and opportunities for them to pursue their interests.”
Sangma also highlighted the growing popularity of skateboarding in the state and suggested that similar facilities could be developed in other districts. He proposed organising local and state-level competitions in the future to nurture talent and encourage wider participation.
The programme began with a welcome song performed by students of Tura Government College. Among those present were West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma, district officials, faculty members, students, and representatives of Decathlon and partner organisations.
Decathlon representatives reiterated their commitment to supporting grassroots sports development through CSR initiatives, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector in expanding access to modern sports infrastructure.
The Nokrek Skate Park is expected to become a major hub for skateboarding enthusiasts in Tura and neighbouring areas, offering a safe and dedicated space for training and recreation.
