The countdown continues. With less than two months to go until the 6th Annual International Go Skateboarding Day (GSD), the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC) is encouraging skateboarders and skateboarding enthusiasts to celebrate worldwide. The holiday falls on the first day of summer, Sunday, June 21, 2009.

Go Skateboarding Day, founded by IASC, is recognized internationally by skateboarders, skateboard companies and the industry as a whole as an official holiday. Each year the holiday continues to grow exponentially, by both the number of people who celebrate it and the number of events taking place in its honor around the globe.

“We are thrilled at just how big this holiday has grown around the world,” said John Bernards, executive director of IASC and GSD spokesperson. “Skateboarding is slowly, but steadily getting the respect it deserves. We are seeing more towns and cities supporting the healthy, character-building lifestyle through the construction of skateparks, educational programs, events and more. Most recently, California State Senate, President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg officially recognized June 21, as ‘Go Skateboarding Day’.”

Continuing the artist series of collectable holiday posters, this year IASC enlisted the help of legendary skateboarder and artist Steve Caballero. “I felt honored and blessed when IASC approached me with the opportunity to lend my support,” said Caballero. “My inspiration was to create something with a worldwide message, so that everyone felt included and inspired to celebrate. I want people to understand that to really enjoy the art of skateboarding we must lose all of our insecurities and truly ‘skate like nobody’s watching.’”

The holiday falls on a weekend once again this year, which means no school, no work, no excuse not to get outside and ride. In response to the current economy, IASC also encourages people to incorporate skateboarding more into their daily lives. Not only is it an efficient and cost saving means of transportation, it’s better for your health and will significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

The excitement for GSD is consistently growing worldwide and events are currently being planned to take place in Portugal, Africa, Czech Republic, Italy, France, Netherlands, Japan, England, Australia and Canada as well as hot spots in the United States such as Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, Tampa, Dayton, Dallas and New York City. Last year, millions of skateboarders participated in more than 600 events held worldwide and 800,000 people logged onto www.goskateboardingday.com. Highlights from GSD 2008 included numerous events sponsored by IASC members including: Emerica’s “Wild in the Streets”, Vans’ “Big Riggin 2008”, Alien Workshop, DC Shoes and Active Rideshop’s GSD Celebration at the Rob Dyrdek/DC Shoes Skate Plaza, and Transworld, Dwindle, and Globe’s GSD celebration in Venice, Calif.