Cleaning Up & Kicking Off: Vans x Sealand Push Purpose at Uniting the Valley 2.0
On World Cleanup Day, 20 September 2025, Vans and Sealand teamed up with Sentinel Ocean Alliance to bring the Hout Bay community together for Uniting the Valley 2.0 — an ongoing initiative rooted in environmental action, youth empowerment, and cultural unity.
What began as a cleanup became a day of purpose and play. Across four key Hout Bay locations, more than 350 participants came together to collect over 300 bags of waste, proving that collective action can make a tangible difference. With support from Protect Our Paths, the event advanced the mission of building a cleaner, more connected, and waste-free South Africa.
The cleanup effort spread across:
- Hout Bay Beach: The main cleanup hub, led by Sentinel Ocean Alliance.
- Hout Bay Harbour: Managed by Oceano Reddentes, focusing on marine waste.
- Disa River: A closed-site cleanup by Friends of Hout Bay Rivers.
- Eyethu Skatepark: A youth-powered space that merged skating, learning, and environmental awareness.
Putting Community in Motion
At Eyethu Skatepark, the day evolved into a high-energy celebration of movement and mentorship. The Vans x Sealand Skate Jam brought together young skaters for an afternoon of games, skill-sharing, and community spirit. Activities like a skate-inspired version of Red Light, Green Light and a friendly race around the park gave local youth a chance to shine — and win prizes — in a supportive, purpose-filled environment.
The energy on the ground was amplified by Vans and Sealand brand teams, joined by team riders Thalente Biyela, Marcelino Rodrigues, and Ziyaad Davis from Ziyaad’s Skate School. Together, they rolled up their sleeves to mentor, motivate, and remind everyone that showing up matters.
More than just a cleanup or a skate jam, Uniting the Valley 2.0 was a testament to what happens when brands, NGOs, and communities share a common goal — a cleaner planet, stronger youth, and deeper local connection.
With each push, each bag filled, and each smile shared, Vans and Sealand proved that impact starts small but rolls forward with purpose.