KZN BMX aims to breed world champions

BMX World Champion and South African Champion, Tyrone Johns (TJ), is making the rounds in KZN districts searching for the next world champion. The Durbanite, at only 33-years-old, has accomplished what most can only dream of. After BMX racing for 30 years, TJ has been crowned 2014 World Champion and the South African champion over ten times. KZN BMX has allocated a budget to hold assessments in both urban and rural schools in all 11 districts in the province, with the goal of trying to achieve mass participation and talent identification.
Dundee Primary School was the chosen school in the Umzinyathi District with an overwhelming and keen of participation. “The schools love it – as soon as we come with the bikes the kids just want to ride,” said TJ. KZN BMX targets children between the ages of 10 -15 years and is predominantly a male sport. However, the most girls he has worked with was at Dundee Primary! “I strongly encourage more girls to take part in the sport,” he urges. BMX racing promotes a healthy lifestyle and exposes learners to a different kind of sport and can teach them good habits early. The end goal is to identify talent from areas that have not had previous access and nurture them to be future stars in association with local cycling clubs. “We want a KZN born and bred athlete cycling in the Olympics,” he said enthusiastically. Dundee Primary principal, Mr I Msimane, was very excited about the potential in the children and possible development of their skills.
If you have girls interested in BMX racing contact TJ on 083 606 6086 or email him at development@kzncycling.co.za
Process
After the end of the visits through all 11 districts, the final will take place in Pietermaritzburg in April this year. Successful candidates will get funding channeled to their district clubs to assist with their sporting needs whilst receiving training. Through a riders affiliation with club and the province, athletes will have the opportunity to compete on both national and international levels through KZN BMX’s affiliation with CSA (Cycling South Africa).
About KZN BMX
KZN BMX is an umbrella organisation run by a group of volunteers nominated to the board of commissioners. Their aim is to grow, promote and provide a comprehensive support system for the sport of BMX, in both urban and rural schools and disadvantaged communities, so that all interested and capable riders in the province who wish to participate in the sport can. Mass participation and talent identification plays a crucial role in ensuring that participation in the sports grows exponentially in the long term. Talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds can be coached and mentored to become elite athletes over a four-year programme in the KZN BMX Academy. It is with this vision that KZN Sports and Recreation got involved to support the building of the first BMX Supercross and challenge class track on the continent.