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SSML, Inc. is an educational non-profit dedicated to promoting the growth of skateboarding and the positive ways it can affect people’s lives. It is not a cliché - skateboarding saved my life. The life of a youth is difficult. It is full of confusion and doubt about who you are, what is expected of you, and what the "adult world" holds for you. In these times of dramatic changes, it is easy to get misled... to fall victim to the pressures around you. The traditional outlets, such as team sports and coach/instructor-driven athletics, did not provide the physical and creative outlet I needed during that period of my life. Then I found skateboarding. Skateboarding gave me the ability to be physical and athletic, but in my own way and at my own pace. I could explore the possibilities of what I was capable of, creatively and physically. Skateboarding allowed me to determine my own pace and levels of progression. I had a chance to be involved with something that gave me a positive, instant brotherhood with others that did not involve having to drink or succumb to negative peer pressures in general. I owe a great deal of who I am and how I see the world to the gift of skateboarding - and this is something that I believe can help anyone. SSML will seek to not only support the entertainment side of skateboarding by bringing in professional events, but will seek to help strengthen the health of the skateboard scene in general. This will be done through various activities such as regional competitions and equipment drives for under privileged kids. All proceeds of SSML will be put back into the skateboard community in some form or fashion. It is my hope for the new generations to have all the spoils of skateboarding that I and my generation had to fight for.... for them to see how skateboarding can save their lives, too. Sincerely, Nathan Curry |