Victoria Wonsowicz has turned her passion for roller skating into a lifeline for others, founding the nonprofit Sk8 Ambitions in response to the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based in Oʻahu, Wonsowicz has witnessed a remarkable rise in interest in roller skating, with as many as 50 new enthusiasts joining the community each year.
As a Samoan woman, she aims to create an inclusive space for Pacific Islanders and other community members, allowing them to explore creative outlets outside the limited stereotypes often associated with their culture.
“I wanted to offer the space for people to find alternative ways to be creative and other hobbies that make them happy, rather than be a part of what was stereotypically confined to Pacific Islanders,” Wonsowicz expressed. “We’re always known for our athleticism and all that stuff. I didn’t fit that category.”
Wonsowicz conducts weekly roller skating classes at Kapolei Inline Hockey Areas, Oʻahu’s only indoor roller skating rink. However, she faces obstacles throughout the week due to limited access, as the facility only operates on weekends.
While Oʻahu does feature two outdoor roller rinks in Mililani and Hawaiʻi Kai, local skaters often struggle to find sufficient recreational spaces that foster community engagement.
Many skaters resort to practicing in vacant tennis courts, parking lots, and public parks.
“If you ain’t got no lights with you, you’re either skating in the dark or you just got to pack up your stuff and go somewhere else you can practice,” Wonsowicz pointed out.
Advocacy for more skating facilities on Oʻahu persists. A group named Rainbow Rollers launched an online petition last year, calling on city officials to allocate funds for the development of dedicated skating arenas.
With over 600 signatures, the petition highlights cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, which boast more extensive facilities for roller skaters.
In response, Nate Serota from the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation reported some progress, mentioning extended hours at Mililani’s Kaomaʻaikū Neighborhood Park and a $2 million investment for enhanced lighting there.
Roller skating has a rich history dating back to the 18th century in Europe, designed initially to mimic ice skating.
Honolulu first embraced the trend in 1871 with Buffum’s Hall, a popular venue featuring dual-purpose skating and dance performances, including an appearance from Queen Emma.
In the U.S., roller skating gained widespread popularity during the 1920s and ’30s, with another resurgence in the 1970s due to the disco inheritance.
Wonsowicz emphasized the cultural significance of roller skating, stating, “The Black community has kept roller skating alive for a long time.”
As she dreams of establishing more facilities for aspiring skaters, Wonsowicz acknowledges the mental challenges that accompany the sport.
“Anxiety is always going to be there, which is valid because when you have wheels under your feet, you’re afraid of falling,” she noted.
However, she finds joy in the resilience roller skating fosters, concluding, “The fun thing about skating is, even if you fall, you could always get back up and try again.”
image source from：hawaiipublicradio
