• 2 years ago
BMX riding has grown in popularity around the world since it became a competitive Olympic event. Africa is no exception. The first BMX park in West Africa recently opened to help develop the sport in Nigeria. DW's Olisa Chukwumah reports from Lagos.
Transcript
00:00 Gearing up for another street ride.
00:05 23-year-old Kouam Damilare knows all about the challenges of practicing the sport he
00:10 loves on the streets of Lagos.
00:13 A BMX athlete, he rides almost daily, practicing new stunts to sharpen his skills.
00:19 For him, it's all about getting to a professional level.
00:23 I started riding from like seven years ago back, seven years back.
00:27 So my mom told me I like to ride when I was a kid.
00:31 So I think it's the love of when I was a kid, I still have for it now.
00:35 I would say I'm a professional to Nigeria standard.
00:40 Not to, because we are watching them to learn.
00:44 So we are still, Nigeria based on our standard, we are professional in our country.
00:50 BMX riding, though not a national sport in the country, is attracting young people to
00:55 take part.
00:57 And for many like Kouam, it all started on the streets.
01:01 But with a newly built BMX park in the city, they now have more to look forward to.
01:07 Supported by the state government and other partners, it is the first BMX park in West
01:12 Africa, and meant to provide a vibrant hub for other freestyle sports.
01:18 BMX biking as a sport might still be evolving in Nigeria, but with parks like this in Lagos,
01:24 young riders hope it will help give their dreams a boost and chances of someday competing
01:28 in major tournaments like the Olympics.
01:31 The obstacles actually helps them improve their skills or tricks.
01:36 They are able to land on the flat ground.
01:39 Like this is way better, the obstacles, yes.
01:41 Maybe if they see us riding, they will be joining us a little bit, small, small.
01:47 They will be joining us.
01:48 They like this sport too, because people just like ball, football and long distance.
01:55 There's not much on this BMX ball.
01:57 For now, they will be coming when they see this park.
02:01 Riders now see the new park as a welcome development for the growth of the sport.
02:06 But Kouam says it's also a step closer to fulfilling his dream.
02:11 We are riding on the streets perfectly.
02:13 Before now we have the park.
02:14 Until now we have the park.
02:16 So I think the park helps improve the skills level.
02:21 So it will help a lot.
02:22 My dream is to represent my country in the Olympics and X-game competitions.
02:28 So we have many riders, but I want to be the best for myself and for my country.
02:34 With Nigeria's large youthful population, the hope now is that BMX can take a flat spin
02:41 into the mainstream.

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