Lasting Legacy of Tony Hawk: A Look at the Influence on History

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Tony Hawk

How the contributions of Tony Hawk continue to shape the world today.

Tony Hawk, nicknamed Birdman, is a highly influential American professional skateboarder and entrepreneur. He is the owner of Birdhouse, a skateboard company. A pioneer in vertical skateboarding, he completed the first documented "900" in 1999. That same year, Activision published a skateboarding video game series named after him. Hawk retired from professional competition in 2003 and is considered one of the greatest skateboarders.

2002: Tony Hawk Foundation Created

In 2002, Tony Hawk created the Tony Hawk Foundation in response to the lack of safe and legal skateparks in America.

2007: Athletes for Hope Charity Founded

In 2007, Tony Hawk, along with other athletes, founded the charity Athletes for Hope, an organization that aims to inspire all people to volunteer and support their communities through the actions of professional athletes.

2015: Tony Hawk Foundation Receives Robert Wood Johnson Sports Award

In 2015, the Tony Hawk Foundation received the Robert Wood Johnson Sports Award, which honors recipients for their innovative and influential approaches to using sports to build a culture of health in their communities.

June 2018: Tony Hawk Foundation Awards US$5.8 Million

As of June 2018, Tony Hawk's foundation has awarded US$5.8 million, aiding 596 skatepark projects.

2020: Tony Hawk Foundation Renamed The Skatepark Project

In 2020, the Tony Hawk Foundation changed its name to The Skatepark Project to better describe the organization's mission.