Our goal is to engage the community in a free experience that demonstrates how the action sports lifestyle can inspire us and teach us valuable life lessons. In a round robin format, kids will work with professionals across multiple platforms including skateboarding, music, photography, videography, and art to learn the basics and to get hands-on with the medium. We strive to break down the barriers to entry of action sports, and we especially welcome those who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities to share the stoke with us at DIVERTdayz. **NOTE**Â In order to give you the best possible experience, we can only accommodate the first 100 youth participants to RSVP. Hurry up and claim your spot!
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At the event, will be collecting in kind donations consisting of new or gently used action sports gear (boards, pads, parts, wetsuits, outerwear, boots, shoes, etc.) which will be distributed to at risk individuals through a local non-profit, Action Sports Kids (ASK). Donations are not mandatory, but will be gratefully received.
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 For the adults, we have invited high level business professionals & industry leaders to conduct a panel discussion themed around fueling creative expression through the action sports lifestyle, as well as the value of entrepreneurship as a platform to enrich society. We will need a solid head count, so please RSVP. Come network and be inspired!
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To wrap it all up, the event will conclude with a pro skate demo and live concert provided by our professional teaching volunteers!Â
Mike Matuz is an internationally recognized speaker and maverick entrepreneur. He wakes up everyday at 4AM with the same question: Are we adding the most value in people's lives by the we do?
In sports, the MVP goes to the best player. In business, the MVP goes to the best partner. This is the service ethos of (MVP) Matuz Venture Partners, his Global PR/Marketing & Management Group founded in 2017. Please welcome Mike Matuz.
Joe Knoernschild is an epic example of entrepreneurship and pioneer of legendary brands in the world of action sports. With pure guts, determination, and the unique ability to align himself with multi-talented and like-minded partners, he took the giant leap from teaching, waiting tables, surfing, and managing Hurley Surfboards to bringing an Australian powerhouse home as Billabong USA. Later focusing solely on Hurley International, he would help grow the brand into the giant we all know, leading to an eventual sale to a new partner, Nike, for over $100M, expanding their reach on a global scale. Joe built a business doing what he loved, and today lectures and inspires young entrepreneurs to do the same.
In 1996, Mike Donelon and a small group of skateboarders founded the Long Beach Skate Park Development Program during his term on the Long Beach City Council which is responsible for all 9 Long Beach skate parks. Enthused by the kids involvement, he founded ASK (Action Sports Kids) Foundation. Over the past 3 years, ASK has awarded over $15,000 in scholarships and school supplies to deserving Long Beach youth. ASK Foundation is followed by young skateboarders across the globe for its efforts in recognizing skateboarding as a positive and important sport for many at-risk youth.
Zach is an accomplished entrepreneur, experience designer and operator. His previous work includes transforming facilities, events, products and organizations of Fortune 500 companies into world class experiences. His work with Disney Imagineers, and pioneers in experience design/operation have provided consistent applications in business strategy, implementation and expansion. His passion in Action Sports and social change intersects with his talents in experience design and operation to create a powerful leader and change maker at DIVERTcity.
David grew up outside of Chicago skateboarding and snowboarding. After graduating from CU Boulder, he has lead a wide variety of successful endeavors in architecture, entertainment, fashion, technology, and action sports for Fortune 500 companies and startups alike. Now, as the President and Co-Founder of DIVERT, he plays a key role in nearly all areas of business and project development.
Marty is a product of Orange County who grew up with fire in his eyes and a board under his feet. He became a collegiate snowboarder at CU Boulder, and earned his BA in Film Studies. After a spinal cord injury in 2012, Marty started conquering challenges with a different set of wheels under him. He set out to make a difference and founded the Marty O'Connor Foundation for Progress, earned his MBA in Marketing & Entrepreneurship with top honors, and received his executive certification in Leadership. Marty brings a rare form of resilience to strategic management and business development, and shares his unique perspective through motivational speaking endeavors.
Meet our moderator! Kevin Maloney is a business development, marketing, and operations executive with 20+ years of experience in consumer, media, and technology with early to mid-stage private and public companies. He’s held CEO, President, and COO leadership roles managing operations, R&D, business development, marketing, client relations, IR/PR, and capital sourcing. He enjoys building and motivating productive teams, and executing clear strategic plans to deliver client and shareholder ROI. He’s led more than 1,100 early to mid-stage client and investment presentations, securing millions of dollars in customer orders and expansion capital for more than a dozen companies. He received his BA from UC Irvine and MBA from Pepperdine University.
***IMPORTANT***
Upon arrival, youth participants must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign liability waivers for Vans and DIVERT with the staff. Photo release forms will also be signed here for all attendees.
If your parent or legal guardian is unable to attend, please fill out and provide a NOTARIZED waiver for Vans and signed DIVERT waiver and photo release.Â
Click HERE to download the photo release.Â
Click HERE to download the Vans liability waiver (to be notarized).Â
Click HERE to download the DIVERT liability waiver.
At DIVERT, we believe in the inspirational and transformative power of action sports to positively impact both individuals and communties. While these sports are out of reach for most large urban populations, we are committed to changing that. By developing programs, initiatives, and facilities that bring these sports and this lifestyle to communities in need, DIVERTcity will break down the barriers to entry. This platform provides a healthy, educational, and well-rounded experience for the youth. As a result, this will empower communities and you ACHIEVE YOUR I'MPOSSIBLE!Â
"Last year, I created the DIVERTinternship program with the goal of growing our team while giving students the opportunity to get real world entrepreneurship experience. The first assignment was to take our mission and translate it into a tangible experience that would have a profound impact on the community. DIVERTdayz is the brainchild of diverse imagination, opportunity, persistence, and hard work. I believe fully, in all walks of life, that these are the key ingredients to
Achieve Your I'mpossible."Â