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 gained 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 MatsushitaMatsushita, Kyo Sasoh, Daichi Yamaguchi, Asuma Nakai, Jukia 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 Australian riders to experience BMX racing in a different country. Other intentions are to provide Japan with a focus on the following:-
- To provide the opportunity for Australian and Japanese riders to create friendships and lasting relationships with Japanese riders.
- To facilitate an amazing cultural experience through the sport of BMX.
- 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 9 nights in Japan, they will arrive on Saturday morning and immerse themselves in Japanese society by billeting (living) with a Japanese BMX family doing whatever the Japanese family does.
X days will be spent travelling and sightseeing (agenda to be provided – organised travel tour)
Potentially some time may be spent with another Japanese family – practice sessions will be organised (TBD)
Friday afternoon evening they will meet up with their Australian team mates and Manager; riders and Manager will stay in agreed accommodation over the race weekend
Saturday / Sunday practice and racing
Monday morning there will be some time for local sight seeing
Monday afternoon travel to Narita for an overnight flight back to Australia arriving Tuesday morning- .
Schedule
The proposed schedule is below.
| Day | Date | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Overnight flight to Tokyo | Flight leaves approx 22:30 | |
| Tuesday | Arrive in Tokyo, meet host family | Stay with host family | |
| Wednesday | Go to Japanese school | Stay with host family | |
| Thursday | Go to Japanese school | Stay with host family | |
| Friday | Go to BMX course in Hitachinaka - practice | Stay in hotel with Aussie team and Team Manager | |
| Saturday | Practice / race | Stay in hotel with Aussie team and Team Manager | |
| Sunday | Practice / race | Stay in hotel with Aussie team and Team Manager | |
| Monday | Day off, sightseeing, bus to airport, overnight flight to Australia | Flight leaves approx 22:30 | |
| Tuesday | Arrive in Sydney approx 07:00 |
Applicants
- The program is aimed at NSW BMX riders aged between from 14 and 16 as defined by the year of birth (same age as Champbikx riders)- 16 years old.
- 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
A fair and equitable selection process will be conducted by the board of BMXNSW
With the understanding this is an opportunity that is not based on BMX ranking and/or performance the following will be applied:-
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., expected costs are expected to be in the region of $2,500 - $3,000
License/Insurance
This will be the responsibility of the selected rider parents/guardian to organise.
- 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