Kimberley Diamond Cup
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox sport event
|name = Kimberley Diamond Cup
Skateboarding World Championships
|image = Logo_-_Kimberley_Diamond_Cup.png
|size =
|caption =
|date_start =
|date_end =
|competitors =
|nations =
|prize_money = $500,000
|venue = Kumba Skate Plaza
|location = {{flagicon|South Africa}} Kimberley, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
[http://www.kimberleydiamondcup.com kimberleydiamondcup.com]
|men =
|women =
}}
The Kimberley Diamond Cup was an annual skateboarding event held at the beginning of each Southern Hemisphere Spring in Kimberley, South Africa. The event featured the largest single-event prize purse in skateboarding - $100,000 for first prize in the Street competition - and is the largest skateboarding competition in Africa.{{cite web|title=Kimberley Diamond Cup|url=http://www.kimberley.co.za/events/the-kimberley-diamond-cup-2014/|publisher=Kimberley City Portal|accessdate=16 December 2014}}{{cite web|title=The Kimberley Diamond Cup world skateboarding grand prix is back in SA…R5 million prize pool|url=http://lifeissavage.com/2013/09/27/the-kimberley-diamond-cup-world-skateboarding-grand-prix-is-back-in-sa-r5-million-prize-pool/|publisher=lifeissavage.com|accessdate=30 January 2014}}
The 2015 Kimberley Diamond Cup featured skaters from more than 50 countries.{{cite web|title=Skateboarding talent take over Kimberley|url=http://www.southafrica.net/blog/en/posts/entry/skateboarding-talent-take-over-kimberley|website=www.southafrica.net|publisher=SouthAfrica.net|accessdate=8 November 2016}} In the Street World Championships final, Nyjah Huston of the U.S. edged out Luan Oliveira of Brazil to capture the $100,000 first prize.{{cite web|title=Kimberley Diamond Cup 2015|date=20 October 2015 |url=http://skateboarding.transworld.net/photos/kimberley-diamond-cup-2015-photos/#ZdeWFxMDFToFXwxr.97|publisher=TransWorld Skateboarding|accessdate=8 November 2016}}
The 2014 Kimberley Diamond Cup Skateboarding World Championships featured skaters from 37 countries.{{cite web|title=Full throttle skateboarding action at Kimberley Diamond Cup|url=http://www.doitnow.co.za/content/full-throttle-skateboarding-action-kimberley-diamond-cup|publisher=DO IT NOW Magazine|accessdate=16 December 2014}} Kelvin Hoefler from Brazil placed first in the Street competition.{{cite web|title=Kimberley Diamond Cup Skateboarding World Championships Finals|url=http://theboardr.com/results/1783/Kimberley_Diamond_Cup_Skateboarding_World_Championships_Finals|publisher=The Boardr|accessdate=16 December 2014}} Fellow competitor Nyjah Huston, generally regarded as "the best contest street skateboarder in the world", won the Street Competition in 2013.{{cite web|last=O'Neil|first=Devon|title=Don't Call It A Comeback|url=http://xgames.espn.go.com/events/2013/los-angeles/article/9535786/nyjah-huston-back-top-street-league-skateboarding-la|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806101726/http://xgames.espn.go.com/events/2013/los-angeles/article/9535786/nyjah-huston-back-top-street-league-skateboarding-la|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 August 2013|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=30 January 2014}}
Kimberley Diamond Cup championships were webcast worldwide.{{cite web|title=Kimberley Diamond Cup|url=http://www.redbull.com/us/en/skateboarding/events/1331611528666/kimberley-diamond-cup|publisher=RedBull.com|accessdate=7 February 2014}} SuperSport, the leading sports provider in South Africa, broadcasts the event.{{cite web|last=Staniforth|first=Ralph|title=Kimberley Diamond Cup brings hope to the Northern Cape youth|url=http://www.leadershipinsport.co.za/articles/Kimberley-Diamond-Cup-brings-hope-to-the-Northern-Cape-youth-8959.html|publisher=Leadership in Sport|accessdate=30 January 2014}}
The Kimberley Diamond Cup replaced the Maloof Money Cup, a skateboarding event held in South Africa in 2011 and 2012.
Background
In 2013, the Kimberley Diamond Cup World Skateboarding Championships replaced the Maloof Money Cup World Championships, previously held in South Africa in 2011 and 2012.{{cite news|last=du Plessis|first=Hettie|title=New International Skateboarding Competition to Replace Maloof Money Cup|url=http://kathugazette.com/articles/2013/08/29/new-international-skateboarding-competition-replace-maloof-money-cup|accessdate=29 January 2014|newspaper=Kathu Gazette|date=August 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219135737/http://kathugazette.com/articles/2013/08/29/new-international-skateboarding-competition-replace-maloof-money-cup|archive-date=19 February 2014|url-status=dead}}
The 2013 skateboarding competition was held from September 27–29 at the Kumba Skate Plaza in Kimberley, capital of the Northern Cape Province in South Africa.{{cite web|last=Kanights|first=Bryce|title=Kimberley Diamond Cup This Weekend|url=http://skatedaily.net/2013/09/25/kimberley-diamond-cup-this-weekend/|publisher=SkateDaily.net|accessdate=29 January 2014}}{{cite news|last=Gedye|first=Lloyd|title=Skating on thin air|url=http://www.citypress.co.za/features/skating-thin-air/|accessdate=29 January 2014|newspaper=City Press|date=October 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024071057/http://www.citypress.co.za/features/skating-thin-air/|archive-date=24 October 2013|url-status=dead}} The event was named in homage to the Kimberley's history as the location of the first diamond mine in South Africa, and for its reputation as "The Diamond City".{{cite web|last=Luphahla|first=Zandisile|title=Kimberley Diamond Cup a thriller|url=http://thenewage.co.za/108267-1015-53-Kimberley_Diamond_Cup_a_thriller|publisher=The New Age|accessdate=29 January 2014}}{{cite web|title=Kimberley Diamond Cup|url=http://www.redbull.com/us/en/skateboarding/events/1331611528666/kimberley-diamond-cup|publisher=RedBull.com|accessdate=29 January 2014}}
=World Skateboarding Grand Prix=
The 2013 and 2014 Kimberley Diamond Cup championships were produced by World Skateboarding Grand Prix (WSGP) and presented in partnership with the Northern Cape Provincial Government and Kumba Iron Ore, the fourth-largest iron ore producer in the world and the largest in Africa.
WSGP CEO Tim McFerran founded the company in 2013. McFerran previously served as vice president at [http://www.maloofskateboarding.com/ Maloof Skateboarding] and ran the Maloof Money Cup World Championships from 2008 to 2012.{{cite web|title=Tim McFerran from World Skateboarding|url=http://theboardr.com/photo/Tim_McFerran_from_World_Skateboarding|publisher=The Boardr|accessdate=29 January 2014}}{{cite news|title=Hot 25: Tim McFerran|url=http://www.ocmetro.com/t-Cover_Hot25_13Tim_McFerran_1109.aspx|accessdate=29 January 2014|newspaper=OC Metro|date=November 1, 2009}}{{cite web|last1=Sorich|first1=Sonya|title=Tim McFerran, CEO, World Skateboarding Grand Prix|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/print-edition/2014/11/14/tim-mcferran-ceo-world-skateboarding-grand-prix.html|publisher=Sacramento Business Journal|accessdate=16 December 2014}} In 2009, McFerran was named one of the "Hot 25 best and brightest business professionals" in the Orange County, California region by OC Metro.
=Community outreach=
In 2013 and 2014, WSGP conducted skateboarding clinics throughout South Africa, given away hundreds of skateboards, and employed a full-time skateboarding mentor at the Kumba Skate Plaza.{{cite web|title=Skate Clinic for Eastern Cape Students at Kumba Skate Plaza|url=http://www.kimberleydiamondcup.com/2014/10/skate-clinic-eastern-cape-students-kumba-skate-plaza/|publisher=kimberlydiamondcup.com|accessdate=16 December 2014}}
Communities located around Kimberley Diamond Cup Sponsor Kumba Iron Ore's mines own a stake in the company and receive twice-yearly dividend payments that are used for community development projects such as clinics, schools, and infrastructure development. Kumba Iron Ore has also a stated commitment to turn South Africa Northern Cape Province into a world-class extreme sport destination.{{cite web|title=Kumba Iron Ore|url=http://www.kimberleydiamondcup.com/kumba/|publisher=kimberleydiamondcup.com|accessdate=29 January 2014}}
=Economic impact=
In 2013, John Block, Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, said “hotels in Kimberley were at capacity and the flights were sold out" during the 2013 Kimberly Diamond Cup.”{{cite web|title=Skateboarding Journeys catalyst for tourism boost|url=http://www.ttwamerica.com/news/article/skateboarding-journeys-catalyst-tourism-boost/|publisher=Travel And Tour World America|accessdate=29 January 2014}} Patrick Seboko, head of the Northern Cape Province Department of Economic Development and Tourism, said the Kimberley Diamond Cup will help "promote the province as attractive destination for mega events, 'high octane' sports, and adventure tourism."{{cite web|last=Gird|first=James|title=Kimberley Diamond Cup Grand Slam Skateboarding Events|date=29 August 2013 |url=http://www.kimberley.org.za/402/|publisher=www.kimberley.org.za/|accessdate=29 January 2014}}
=Mission=
WSGP's stated mission is to "help stimulate local economies through tourism and support youth development, especially those in underserved or impoverished communities, through skate clinics, demos, pro tours and more."{{cite web|title=Establishing a positive tradition that empowers the next generation|url=http://www.worldskateboarding.com/|publisher=World Skateboarding Grand Prix|accessdate=29 January 2014}}
Kimberley Diamond Cup competition results
=2015 Kimberley Diamond Cup=
Skaters from more than 50 countries were represented in the 2015 Kimberley Diamond Cup skateboarding competition, which was held October 7–10 at the Kumba Skate Plaza. In the Street World Championships final, twelve finalists from eight countries competed for the world title and $100,000 top prize. Nyjah Huston of the U.S. was the third-place qualifier for the event and first-place winner in 2013.{{cite web|last1=Kohlman|first1=Mark|title=Huston back on top at Kimberley Diamond Cup|url=http://xgames.espn.com/xgames/skateboarding/article/9743039/huston-wins-kimberley-diamond-cup-street-world-championships|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=8 November 2016}} In the final, Huston edged out Luan Oliveira of Brazil to capture first prize. In the Vert World Championships, Jimmy Wilkins reclaimed the title he won in 2014 and the $35,000 first place prize.{{cite web|title=Vert World Championships 2015 Recap|url=http://www.kimberleydiamondcup.com/2015/10/kdc-vert-world-championships-2015-recap/|publisher=Kimberley Diamond Cup|accessdate=8 November 2016}}
=2014 Kimberley Diamond Cup=
The 2014 Kimberley Diamond Cup was held from October 2–5 at the Kumba Skate Plaza.{{cite web|title=Kimberley Diamond Cup|url=http://www.kimberleydiamondcup.com/|publisher=Kimberley Diamond Cup|accessdate=18 December 2014}} Skaters from 37 countries participated.{{cite web|title=37 Countries Represented at Kimberley Diamond Cup|url=http://www.revolution-daily.com/37-countries-represented-kimberley-diamond-cup/|publisher=Revolution Daily|accessdate=30 December 2014}}
Kelvin Hoefler from Brazil placed first in the Street competition and took home first prize, which came with $100,000.{{cite web|last1=Kanights|first1=Bryce|title=Kimberley Diamond Cup 2014 Results|url=http://skatedaily.net/2014/10/kimberley-diamond-cup-2014-results/|publisher=Skateboarding News Daily|accessdate=18 December 2014}} Hoefler performed a switch-frontside blunt down the rail and 360 flip lipslide down the rail.{{cite web|title=Kimberley Diamond Cup – Day 3 Press Release|url=http://www.revolution-daily.com/kimberley-diamond-cup-day-3-press-release/|publisher=Revolution Daily|accessdate=18 December 2014}} Nyjah Huston, 2013 winner in the Street event, was the top qualifier but he was eliminated in the final rounds of the head-to-head Street competition.{{cite web|last=Bane|first=Colin|title=Upsets Abound at Kimberley Diamond Cup|url=http://xgames.espn.go.com/skateboarding/article/11654994/upsets-abound-kimberley-diamond-cup-south-africa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007112636/http://xgames.espn.go.com/skateboarding/article/11654994/upsets-abound-kimberley-diamond-cup-south-africa|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 October 2014|publisher=ESPN X Games|accessdate=18 December 2014}}
In the Mini MegaBig Air World Championships, 14-year-old Alana Smith of the U.S. became the first female to successfully perform a backflip in competition.{{cite web|title=2014 KDC – Kimberley Diamond Cup: results & video|date=6 October 2014 |url=https://skateagenda.wordpress.com/2014/10/06/2014-kdc-kimberley-diamond-cup-results-video/|publisher=Skate Agenda|accessdate=18 December 2014}}{{cite web|title=Alana Smith's Backflip on the Mini Mega|url=http://theboardr.com/post/Alana_Smith_Backflip_Mini_Mega|publisher=The Boardr|accessdate=18 December 2014}}
Eight 4-man teams of skateboarders, including several teams from South Africa, competed in the Rider Cup Team Championships during Kimberley Diamond Cup. The South African team 4 Staxx took the Rider Cup Team Championship 2014 title.{{cite web|title=KDC 2014 Rider Cup Team Championships Results|url=http://www.revolution-daily.com/kdc-2014-rider-cup-team-championships-results/|publisher=Revolution Daily|accessdate=18 December 2014}}
=2013 Kimberley Diamond Cup =
The total prize purse at the 2013 Kimberley Diamond Cup was R5,000,000, approximately $500,000 in US dollars at the time, and was the largest single-event prize purse in skateboarding that year.
During the summer of 2013, professional skateboarders Ryan Decenzo and Adam Dyet joined the WSGP's Skateboarding for Hope tour in the Northern Cape province and participated in skateboarding clinics and demonstrations in Kathu, Kuruman, Postmasburg and Kimberley.{{cite news|last=Paulsen|first=Christoline|title=Top Pro Skateboarders Join 'Skateboarding for Hope' Tour|url=http://kathugazette.co.za/articles/2013/09/26/top-pro-skateboarders-join-skateboarding-hope-tour|access-date=7 February 2014|newspaper=Kathu Gazette|date=September 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201232128/http://kathugazette.co.za/articles/2013/09/26/top-pro-skateboarders-join-skateboarding-hope-tour|archive-date=1 February 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Skate for Hope Tour Dates|url=http://www.africaskate.com/2013/07/skate-for-hope-tour-dates/|publisher=Africa Skate|access-date=7 February 2014}}
American professional street skateboarder Nyjah Huston won the Pro Street Contest at the Kimberley Diamond Cup, and $100,000 in prize money.{{cite web|last=Kohlman|first=Mark|title=Huston Back on Top at Kimberlery Diamond Cup|url=http://xgames.espn.go.com/skateboarding/article/9743039/huston-wins-kimberley-diamond-cup-street-world-championships|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930174152/http://xgames.espn.go.com/skateboarding/article/9743039/huston-wins-kimberley-diamond-cup-street-world-championships|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 September 2013|publisher=ESPN|access-date=29 January 2014}}{{cite web|title=Kimberley Diamond Cup COMPLETE Pro Street Finals|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlBQAEkKPGo|publisher=YouTube.com|access-date=29 January 2014}} Huston's highlights included a nollie heelflip backlip, switch frontside blunt, fakie five-o on high flat bar. Huston has been called "the best contest street skateboarder in the world" and is a 4-time X Games gold medalist.{{cite web|last=O'Neil|first=Devon|title=Don't call it a comeback|url=http://xgames.espn.go.com/events/2013/los-angeles/article/9535786/nyjah-huston-back-top-street-league-skateboarding-la|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806101726/http://xgames.espn.go.com/events/2013/los-angeles/article/9535786/nyjah-huston-back-top-street-league-skateboarding-la|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 August 2013|publisher=ESPN|access-date=29 January 2014}} During practice, Huston was filmed performing a 270-degree "kickflip lipslide" on a rail, a difficult skateboarding trick that had never been on a full-sized handrail.{{cite web|title=Nyjah's 270 Kickflip Lipslide In South Africa - TransWorld SKATEboarding|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuW--FlLOos|publisher=YouTube.com|access-date=29 January 2014}}
"Vert legend" Andy MacDonald won the Vert/BigAir Overall (combined results from 50% Vert and 50% Big Air competition scores).{{cite web|title=ANDY MACDONALD Wins KDC BIG AIR and Vert World Skateboarding Championships|url-status=unfit |date=28 September 2013 |url=http://www.africaskate.com/2013/09/andy-macdonald-wins-kdc-big-air-and-vert-world-skateboarding-championships/|publisher=Africa Skate|access-date=29 January 2014|archive-date=1 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201170707/http://www.africaskate.com/2013/09/andy-macdonald-wins-kdc-big-air-and-vert-world-skateboarding-championships/ }}{{cite web|title=Andy MacDonald Wins Vert Championships|url=http://www.worldskateboarding.com/pro-street-skaters-announced-2013-kimberley-diamond-cup-pr/|publisher=World Skateboarding Grand Prix|access-date=29 January 2014}} MacDonald holds the record for the most X Games medals in vert skateboarding and was crowned as skateboarding's World Champion nine times in the [http://www.wcsk8.com/ World Cup Skateboard Series].{{cite web|title=Andy Macdonald|url=http://positivskateboards.com/team/andy-macdonald/|publisher=Positiv Skateboards|access-date=29 January 2014}}
External links
- [http://www.kimberleydiamondcup.com Kimberley Diamond Cup]
- [http://www.worldskateboarding.com World Skateboarding Grand Prix]