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.
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
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.