Vaadhoo island in Gaafu Dhaalu atoll opened its first skate park on Wednesday, with help from the national bank.

The park was developed through Bank of Maldives (BML)'s Community Fund, with the proposal sent by the Huvadhoo Association of Tourism (HAT).

Created with the vision "to create a fun and safe environment for children and the youth to grow and foster new skills", both BML and HAT hope that the new park provides space "for all to gain confidence, personal-development, health and well being".

Expressing gratitude to BML for the support in the "important community project," HAT President Ahmed Thorif Mohamed said the park "will help [the] youth reconnect and build stronger connections through recreation".

HAT aims to affiliate with local and international parties to train and develop different skills in a safe environment.

While Vaadhoo has its own surfing sport, BML said the skate park "will be a space to further develop surfing skills as well".

BML’s Community Fund is an initiative that aims to empower individuals and NGOs to contribute to their communities through sustainable projects.