Story by Mthokozisi Dube
BUSTERS BMX Racing Club will host a special club race this weekend to celebrate rider Kai Wilmans’ qualification for the BMX World Championships scheduled for Brisbane, Australia, in July.
Wilmans secured qualification during the South African Championships held in April, where he delivered a standout performance to win three gold medals against older competitors.
The young rider was part of a four-member Zimbabwean contingent invited to compete at the regional event in Cape Town.
Busters BMX Club Chairperson, Ms Jackie Pikoulis said the upcoming club race is aimed at promoting BMX racing, youth development and community participation while also recognising the achievements of local riders.
“We are trying to raise excitement around BMX racing,” Pikoulis said.
“At our track tomorrow, we will have stalls and food vendors, as well as some of our long-term supporters, including Rugare Medical, who have provided valuable assistance to us over the years. They continue to sponsor an ambulance for our racers to ensure the safety of our riders.”
She said the club remains grateful for sponsorship support that continues to assist in nurturing young sporting talent.
“We are always grateful for any sponsorship and support we receive towards youth development,” she said.
Pikoulis noted that Zimbabwean riders impressed during the recent Regional National Cup competition in South Africa.
“We were fortunate to compete in Cape Town with four riders from Busters BMX, and they all performed exceptionally well. One of our riders, Kai Wilmans, returned home with three gold medals after beating riders older than him. We will use tomorrow’s platform to present medals to the riders in recognition of their achievements,” she said.
The Busters BMX Chairperson also expressed confidence ahead of the World Championships in Brisbane.
“BMX championships are in Brisbane at the middle to the end of July. We hope our rider will do us proud. We have no doubt the boy will do well,” Pikoulis said.
The club race will also serve as a platform to recognise sponsors and partners supporting BMX racing and youth talent development in Zimbabwe.
