Maré is one of the largest favela communities in Rio de Janeiro. In the midst of violence and despair, Collectivo Skate Maré (CSM) emerged with the goal of providing children, young people and adults a safe environment through skateboarding. In 2015, CSM began the struggle to build a skatepark to further expand the reach of their skate classes. Their goal was finally achieved last year and the whole process can be seen in the documentary “Uma Pista de Esperança” directed by Ronald Land for Canal Off. It shows the evolution of the project, the impact on the favela community and how the construction of the skatepark became an important tool for social transformation in the lives of the favela residents. “When I heard that this was going to happen I knew I had to be part of the construction and help in some way. There were builders from all over the world that came together for the same cause, volunteers from Make Life Skate Life along with builders from Rio Ramp Design, and many others” said photographer and artist Renato Custodio who participated in the construction. The project shows that skateboarding is much more than a simple sport - skateboarding unites, educates, liberates and strengthens communities anywhere in the world.