Vision
To develop and deliver a well-thought-out reciprocal exchange program between Australia and Japan based on the foundation of the Trans-Tasman Test Team, providing both a cultural and international BMX experience.
Background
2005 BMXA took a number of Australian 14 and 15 year old riders to Japan to race in the Pan Pacific Championships in Hitachi (Josh Callan, Jason Dickson, Dirk Winter) etc.
International riders were also there (Christian Besserine, Nate Berkheimer, Bob de Wilde, John Purse, Joey Bradford, Jason Richardson, Greg Romero). The impact of this event on the Japanese BMX scene was enormous, to have these international riders race on Japanese tracks was a great boost to the sport in Japan, long term friendships were created and Japan felt part of the international BMX community.
The Australian riders were openly invited to stay with Japanese families and immerse themselves in the Japanese culture. Again friendships were created and the Australian riders were able to gain a once in a lifetime experience.
Introduction
Japanese riders have been coming to Australia over recent years to experience the culture and to race in Australian BMX events. The ACT Titles, The Nerang Nationals and the Champbix / Probix rounds have proven to be great draw cards. Japanese riders returned to Japan full of excitement regarding the opportunities they had to ride on Australia tracks. Riders such as Tatsumi Matsushita, Kyo Sasoh, Daichi Yamaguchi, Asuma Nakai, Jukya Yoshimura have been to Australia many times and are well known throughout the Australian BMX community.
As the sport of BMX matures in Australia and Japan it is clear there is much to be gained by fostering closer ties between both countries.
Intended Outcomes
The intended outcome is to provide a cross cultural leaning experience and offer an opportunity for riders to experience BMX racing in a different country. Other intentions are to provide the following:-
- To create an opportunity for Australian riders to safely step out of their comfort zone
- To foster responsible attitude and behaviour in the riders as representatives of their country
- To create an environment where riders can experience independence
- To provide the opportunity for Australian and Japanese riders to create friendships and lasting relationships
- To Introduce a new opportunity within BMX that riders can take advantage of that has potentially less of a burden than the existing competitive structures
Concept
Australian riders will spend X days in Japan, they will arrive on X morning and immerse themselves in Japanese society by billeting (living) with a Japanese BMX family doing whatever the Japanese family does for X days.
X days will be spent travelling and sightseeing (agenda to be provided – organised travel tour)
X days will be spent with another Japanese family – practice sessions will be organized
Friday afternoon you will meet up with your Australian team mates and Manager, riders and Manager will stay in agreed accommodation over the race weekend
Monday morning you will travel to XXX for an afternoon/overnight flight back to Australia
Applicants
- The program is aimed at BMX riders aged between 13 and 15 as defined by the year of birth.
- Male and Female riders have equal opportunity to participate.
- It is expected that parents of the riders will not participate in this experience.
Selection Criteria
With the understanding this is an opportunity that is not based on BMX ranking and/or performance the following will be applied:-
- Eligible riders will be asked to provide a short statement as to what benefits they see they will gain from such an experience
- Eligible riders will be asked to provide a number between 10 and 30 as part of their application
- A random number generation application (RANDOM.ORG) will be used to generate numbers between 1 and 40
- The first X numbers that have been match with those that have been provided by the riders will be offered an opportunity to attend
Funding
This is not a BMXNSW funded opportunity, Parents/Guardians will need to fund this opportunity in full. Adequate notice maybe provided in order for Parents/Guardians to have time for fund raise. BMXNSW may provide guidance to Australian riders on possible methods for fund raising.
License/Insurance
This will be the responsibility of the selected rider parents/guardian to organize.
- An International License is required
- International Insurance such as that provided by Cycling Australia is mandatory
Team Management
An experienced Team Manager will accompany selected riders throughout this trip
Note
Small teams of up to four riders to pilot the initiative in 2017/2018