Senior Skateboarder

TRANSCRIPT
Senior Skateboarder

NARRATOR:
At a skate park in Japan, a man in his 80s is learning something new. Yoshio Kinoshita didn’t start skateboarding when he was young. He began only a few years ago. He found a cheap skateboard for sale at a market and decided to try it. At first, he could only stand still, holding on to a rail. But he practised. Slowly, he learned to move, turn, and balance. Now, he skates around the park with people much younger than him.

SOUNDBITE - Yoshio Kinoshita:
"I thought I could do the trick because I did it yesterday, but today I still couldn't do it. I had to learn from the beginning again. So my skills can be improved only by a little. That's why I think I have to come here and practice every day."

NARRATOR:
Skateboarding is usually a sport for young people, but Kinoshita doesn’t let age stop him. He goes to the skate park five or six times a week. He learns from other skaters. Some are younger than his grandchildren! He believes skateboarding is good for the brain and body.

SOUNDBITE - Yoshio Kinoshita:
"I think skateboarding improves the ability to think even just by a little bit. I believe it's a sport for the elderly."

NARRATOR:
Before retiring, Kinoshita worked in construction. These days, he also works part-time at a bicycle parking lot. But skateboarding is his passion. He proves that it’s never too late to try something new. No matter your age, you can keep learning.