Australia & Japan BMX Cultural Exchange Proposal

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 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 Matsushita, 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 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.

Schedule

The proposed schedule is below.

Applicants

• The program is aimed at NSW BMX riders aged from 14 - 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

Funding

This is not a BMXNSW funded opportunity, Parents/Guardians will need to fund this opportunity in full, 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

Expectations of the rider

• Represent BMXNSW at any functions
• Create awareness around the brand of BMXNSW
• Promote NSW as a place for awesome BMX racing and as a great holiday destination
• Embody the values of
  • Friendship
  • Respect
  • Commitment
• Be an exemplary role model
• Race hard and fair, be a good sportsperson

Riders would be expected to have the following qualities

• Commitment to BMX
• Interest in learning about different cultures
• Cultural empathy: understanding that people from different countries do things in different ways
• Polite / respectful
• Good, competitive riding ability but not necessarily the best in NSW
• Can look after, build and service your own bike
• Some Japanese cultural knowledge and language ability will be useful but not essential.

For further information please contact

• bmxnswexecutivedirector@gmail.com
• bmxnswtestteam@gmail.com
• bmxnswchairman@gmail.com