“We’re Gonna Have a Great Experience”: Shaun White Proves Why He Is a True Legend With First-Time Snowboarding Kids

Today, athletes play different sports as a form of cross-training. Surfer extraordinaire Kelly Slater and NBA MVP Stephen Curry play golf. Shaun White is also among the few athletes to master more than one sport. Besides winning Olympic golds in snowboarding, Shaun has also won gold in “vert” skateboarding events at the X Games.

In his latest Instagram post, the Olympian said he was at Big Snow at American dream in New Jersey. Shaun went to Big Snow to hit the slopes on his snowboard. However, it was for a noble cause, and Shaun got to try something for the first time.

Coach Shaun White hopes to inspire

STOKED invited Shaun to the indoor snowboarding and skiing park, Big Snow. STOKED organized the event to help underprivileged kids experience and learn about snowboarding. “It’s my first time here and we’re going to be doing some snowboarding. (With) some amazing kids from the program STOKED,” Shaun said in the Instagram video.

The event was also a fresh experience for Shaun. “This is my first time actually doing an activation where I’m gonna meet some kids and we’re gonna have a great experience,” said the Olympic gold medalist. He was the star mentor for the kids who attended the event. Shaun also said he looked forward to sharing “some stories and some inspiration from my life.”

The X Games gold medalist hoped to instill in kids values such as “friendship, camaraderie, sportsmanship,” because “(these qualities)give you a drive. You know, that’s what it did for me.” The representative from STOKED also appeared in the video. She revealed none of the kids present had ever hoped on a snowboard.

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“We’re fortunate to have Shaun White. The! Shaun White! teach and work with our kids to make it down the hill successfully,” she said. She also said STOKED was “thankful,” to Shaun for collaborating with them. Big Snow’s Instagram page also posted a video of the event.

Who are STOKED? What’s their mission?

Entrepreneur Steve Larosiliere got the idea for STOKED while on a snowboarding trip. The thrill-seeking entrepreneur also enjoyed mentoring kids. However, before beginning his last run, Steve thought about how his mentee didn’t have the opportunity to snowboard with him. So Steve decided to take action.

Over the years, STOKED has grown. It now works with schools, community organizations, and athletes like Shaun. According to their official page, “Through mentorship and action sports culture, STOKED empowers underserved youth to reach their fullest potential,”

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Judging from the videos by Shaun White and Big Snow, it’s safe to say the event with Shaun White was a success for everyone involved.