Noel recently participated in the 4th Grand Slam Skateboarding Competition in the Thaba Nchu Skate Park in Bloemfontein, and faithful to his word, he delivered a performance that the jury members left in awe.
The story of skateboarding Kid Noel Cossa is one of resilience, determination and a ruthless striving for his dreams.
The young skater from Maputo, Mozambique, has the opportunities and proven that success comes for those who are willing to take risks, work hard and never give up.
Noel recently participated in the 4th Grand Slam Skateboarding Competition in the Thaba Nchu Skate Park in Bloemfontein, and faithful to his word, he delivered a performance that the jury members left in awe. Competitive in the intense South African heat, Noel showed his skills and determination by participating in every event that is available to him.
“There was very good talent in the competition, and that challenged me to push harder,” he told the DFA in a recent interview.
Noel told the DFA that one of the highlights of the competition was an event in which every skater had 45 seconds to perform as many tricks as possible. He said he got the most out of his time, impressed the jury members and secured the first place, walked away with R15,000 in prize money.
“It felt really good winning, and I am really grateful that I could do what I wanted to do when I left Mozambique for South Africa. I can now start fulfilling a dream to help my mother and start paying for my studies, “he said.
Although Noel has not yet been able to talk directly to his mother about his victory – because she has no access to WhatsApp – he is sure that she will be overjoyed when he returns home.
However, he has succeeded in letting her know about his success so far by asking friends to tell her what happened, so the family at home is not at all aware of the performance of their superstar.
“She will be very happy when I return home. This is only the second time that I have taken first place in an event, and winning this amount is a big moment for me, “he added.
However, Noel’s journey does not stop in Bloemfontein. His next challenge is waiting in Durban, where he will compete in the best trick event at the next Grand Slam. Due to the competition rules, earlier winners, however, are not eligible to claim prize money again – this is due to an attempt by the organizers to ensure that more skaters have the opportunity to earn rewards.
After Durban, Noel is planning to return to Mozambique before he returned to Kimberley for the long -awaited Kimberley Diamond Cup Apex event in the Skate Plaza in March.
This time he may be able to pack some more money in the final. For Noel, this is an opportunity to show his best skills and test himself against some of the best skaters in the country.
His remarkable journey, from traveling to South Africa without a clear plan where he would sleep or eat to become a recognized name in the skateboard community, has inspired many. People in Mozambique who had never heard of Noel Cossa now recognize his name, and he has become a bit of a celebrity at home.
“They saw my story and what I did – traveling to South Africa by bus, not knowing where I would sleep or eat, and it looked impossible. But if you focus on it, you can make your dreams come true, and that’s what I did, “he shared.
Noel has a simple but powerful message to those at home: “Never give up. Always believe that everything is possible. Just do it. “
Recently Noel’s inspiring journey attracted the attention of the Diamond Pavilion Mall in Kimberley. After reading, the management in the shopping center reached about his story in the DFA and in a generous support of support, the R1,000 shopping center gave to help Noel on his path.
“I am very grateful that the Diamond Pavilion shopping center sponsored me. I will use this wisely, and I will make them proud, “he concluded.
Noel Cossa is not just a skater; He is a young man with a dream, a goal and a relentless belief in himself. His story serves as a memory that success does not come from waiting for hand -outs, but by taking daring steps forward, even if the path is uncertain.
And with the trust and the passion he bears, his dreams come true.
Danie van der Lith
www.dfa.co.za
