FEATURE STORY
WORDS Heather Kennett
BMX CLUB PUMPED BY SUPPORT
Cross Keys BMX Club riders are flying high again as they return to the track after their racing season was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Club president Nick Petz said the pandemic had a huge impact on its nearly 200 members because they “lost access to their passion and their sport”, as restrictions forced the club to halt its racing calendar mid-series and shut its gates. The restrictions also cut deep into the club’s balance sheet. “Not only did the kids lose their sport, the club lost its main sources of fundraising,” Mr Petz said.
“Everything just stopped, obviously the kids couldn’t race, and the club couldn’t make money.” Nick estimates the club has missed out on around $1500 every week of its enforced closure from lost entry fees, missed canteen and barbecue sales and the cancellation of regular fundraising raffles. While unsure of the full financial impact, he predicts it could cost the club around $18,000.
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However, he’s confident the club will rebound. “I think everyone is happy the worst of it is over and we just can’t wait to get back out there.” The successful club, which is home to two former BMX Olympians, including Anthony Dean who represented Australia at the Rio games and hopes to saddle up at the rescheduled Tokyo games next year, is grateful for the ongoing support from the City of Salisbury. Council has launched a $185,000 COVID-19 Recovery Support Package and is inviting all City of Salisbury sports and community organisations to apply for a grant.
