Jason Vanporppal claims R25,000 meant for skatepark was stolen in alleged scam

American skateboarder Jason Vanporppal, who recently inspired thousands by skating nearly 5,900 kilometres from Uganda to Cape Town, has revealed that R25,000 intended to help build Uganda’s first public skatepark was allegedly stolen by someone he trusted.

The skateboarder shared the allegations in an emotional video on social media, explaining that the money came from a brand sponsorship arranged during his fundraising campaign. Instead of reaching the children’s skatepark project, he claims the funds were kept by a third-party volunteer who had offered to help secure sponsorships.

A journey built around giving back

Vanporppal’s cross-African skateboarding expedition was never about setting records. His goal was to raise awareness and collect donations for children in Uganda by helping fund what would become the country’s first public skatepark.

Throughout his journey, supporters followed his progress online as he pushed through thousands of kilometres, documenting the physical and mental challenges of travelling across the continent on a skateboard.

His campaign attracted widespread attention, with many people praising his commitment to using sport as a tool to create opportunities for young people.

How the alleged scam unfolded

According to Vanporppal, a woman contacted him and volunteered to help secure sponsorship deals for the fundraiser.

He said one of those sponsorships generated R25,000, which he intended to add directly to the campaign supporting the skatepark.

Instead of the company paying him directly, he agreed to let the woman receive the funds first before transferring them to him.

That decision, he says, became an expensive mistake.

Vanporppal alleged that after the payment was made, communication changed dramatically. He claims he received repeated explanations for why the money had not been transferred, including claims that the woman had become ill and that her phone had been stolen.

Despite repeated reassurances that the funds would arrive, he says the payment never came.

Skateboarder distances sponsors and charity partners from allegations

During his video, Vanporppal made a point of clearing the names of those he says had no involvement in the dispute.

He stressed that neither the sponsoring company nor the Winnie Mabaso Foundation played any role in the alleged incident, describing both as supportive partners throughout his journey.

Instead, he insists the issue involves only the individual who acted as the intermediary between him and the sponsor.

A public ultimatum

Frustrated after months of waiting, Vanporppal has now taken the matter public.

In his video, he gave the woman 24 hours to return the money, warning that he would release further information if the funds were not repaid.

He also claimed that he believes other people may have experienced similar situations involving the same individual, although no evidence has yet been made public to support those allegations.

At the time of writing, the woman has not publicly responded to the claims.

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