BMX biking booms

The BMX challenge is growing from strength to strength since it kicked-off in March this year, officials say In eight regions of the country, girls and boys five years and up are learning to race bicycles in communities that had never seen the sport before 2017, through the “Kids on Bikes” project of the Namibian Cycling Federation, as part of its five year development plan to bring cycling to all regions in Namibia On 4 March, 109 children took part in a BMX bicycle challenge in Rundu; on 18 March, 116 joined in Omuthiya; the next meet is on 8 April, in Windhoek. “Kids on Bikes” has brought together hands-on support from RMB Namibia (through FNB Namibia Holdings Foundation Trust), Marathon Sugar (owned by Tongaat Hulett Namibia) and community organisations across the country.RMB Namibia has sponsored events and the purchase of community bicycles and safety equipment for Gobabis, Okahandja, Omaruru, Omeya, Omuthiya, Outapi and Rundu and is planning a permanent children's BMX track at the KAYEC after-school learner centre in Rundu.According to Revonia Kahivere of FNB, the bank is investing in getting children on bicycles at the youngest possible age to create future champions.“BMX riding allows our youngsters to challenge themselves on a daily basis. BMX riders must continuously push themselves to progress to the next level of their riding and this is why we believe that this is an excellent initiative to develop our youth.”Marathon Sugar has contributed a community BMX track at the KAYEC after-school learner centre in Wanaheda, as well as eight bicycles and equipment for the participants.The national expansion of cycling is in line with the 2016/17 priorities of the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, which named cycling as one of five sports “to be rolled out in all 14 Regions of the country,” along with wrestling, hockey, gymnastics and rugby.BMX, short for “bicycle motocross,” is a variety of sport cycling that is riding the wave of popularity not only in Namibia, but also around the world. It became an Olympic sport starting in 2008, in Beijing. BMX uses obstacle tracks originally designed for off-road motocross motorcycle racing, but on sturdy pedal bicycles instead. The safety of riding far from road traffic, combined with the fun of obstacle tracks with tightly spaced “roller” hills and steeply banked turns, makes BMX an ideal entry point for younger girls and boys interested in cycling. Sport Reporter

BMX biking booms

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Namibian Sun 2025-02-24

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BMX biking booms

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Namibian Sun 2025-02-24

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