Sam's Skate School is the latest recipient of Tauranga Crossing's Local Legends campaign.

The school has been given $5000 to put towards their community initiative.

Sam's Skate School, run by Tauranga Waldorf School teacher Sam Robertson, is a free social enterprise which aims to teach rangatahi how to skateboard.

The school hosts 35-to-50 participants every Wednesday afternoon, both boys and girls, and they've helped approximately 400 young people get into skateboarding.

Sam says he was stoked to receive the call from Tauranga Crossing saying he had been given the grant, and is immensely grateful to the anonymous person who put his name forward.

'I actually got the call as I was on my way to one of our Wednesday sessions, so was able to give the kids the good news, says Sam. 'We were all really excited.

'The prize money means I can buy some more boards, and it essentially means I can continue the project running throughout summer and into the next school year.

'This school is a way to give something back to the community and give free coaching for kids that wouldn't otherwise be able to do so, or those unable to afford a board of their own.

'Thank you very much to everyone who voted, it has made a lot of difference to a lot of young people and we're all very grateful and excited.”

Tauranga Crossing runs the Local Legends campaign every three months, with the next nominations open now.

To nominate a local legend, head to: www.taurangacrossing.co.nz/local-legends-submit-your-nominations/