By Sheldon Spackman

Red Deer BMX seeking sponsors for provincials in July

May 24, 2018 | 5:43 PM

Red Deer BMX is putting a call out for sponsors as the organization prepares to host Provincials this summer.

The two-day event takes place July 21-22 with anywhere from 450-600 riders and their families from right across the province expected to attend.

Red Deer BMX spokesperson Randy Hall says the event features riders ranging in age from five years-old to over 50 years of age, so it’s huge on the BMX calendar and huge to their organization.

“We’ve got a track we have to get ready and make sure it’s top notch,” explains Hall. “The grounds have to be kept clean and up to date with a good facility for the spectators that will show up and also for the riders that are there to race.”

He says having additional sponsorship will go a long way towards making the event a successful one.

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“There’s raffle tables and fundraising that needs to be done, so donations in regards to that part or a sponsorship, we’ve got a lot of area that we put sponsorship banners up on,” says Hall. “We’re always in need of volunteers on a big event like a provincial race. There’s so many different areas from parking to concession to the bbq to just the grounds itself, there’s a lot of work looking after the recycling bottle pick-ups, the garbage, all that kind of stuff.”

Hall says those who participate in BMX have a great time, adding the season starts soon after the snow melts and runs until September.

“My son started when he was four and he’s 12 now and still going and still loving it, it’s the comradery,” Hall states. “It’s an individual sport but the team concept is still there with the guys that you see on a regular basis down at the track training or racing.”  

He says BMX is not the extreme sport most people seem to think it is.

“BMX freestyle and tricks is a little bit more of an extreme but BMX racing is not when you’re just getting out,” explains Hall. “Your wheels basically stay on the ground. We’ve got some three and four-year-olds that race our whole track down there, so what I would suggest is that anybody who has any interest in cycling, BMX is definitely one of the places to stop and check out, we’ve got a great community and it’s good for all ages.”   

In advance of the upcoming provincials, Hall says BMX Day in Alberta happens Sunday, June 3 with every track across the province hosting activities to mark the occasion.

“Basically we’re inviting anybody and everybody down to give the sport a try and find out what it’s all about,” states Hall. “We’ve got loaner bikes, helmets, we’ve got everything there. All you have to do is show up with long pants, a long sleeve shirt and we can get you geared up and out on the track.”

For more information on Red Deer BMX and the upcoming Provincials July 21-22, visit reddeerbmx.ca.