The New York Times has an article about a 34 year old man from Melbourne, Australia who plans to open the first skate-park to ever exist in war-torn Afghanistan.

Oliver Percovich is hoping to use the skateboarding school as a way to help encourage students into after-school activities like English and computer classes, which are otherwise reserved for the elite. The news paper describes the park as "a decrepit Soviet-style concrete fountain with deep fissures. The tangle of novice skaters resembles bumper cars more than X Games."

Sadly, girls can only participate in skateboarding for a few short years. When Afghan girls reach puberty, they must be veiled and can no longer associate with men outside the family. Percovich said his indoor skate park could be part of the solution, with boys and girls in separate classes.

You can find the article, some photos and video here.