So many BMXers spend an ungodly amount of time each week, browsing social media–Facebook, in particular, us among them. In recent weeks, FB has been lit-up by the “Grow The Sport Challenge.” It’s a well-intended challenge, which compels BMXers to do the following:
The 10 day BMX challenge. Every day I select an image(s) from a day in the life of BMX that has had an impact on me, or was a memorable moment, and post it without a single explanation. Then I nominate somebody to take the challenge. That’s 10 days, at least 10 BMX photos, at least 10 nominations and 0 explanation. Be active, be positive, be passionate… Grow the sport
I have been asked: “do you think this does anything to actually grow the sport (of BMX Racing)?”
Truth be told, I don’t. The reason being: the “0 explanation” part.
BMXers may not need the commentary, even if we ARE interested in how that snake got in your gearbag. But zero explanation does nothing to tell those friends who are *NOT* BMXers how BMX Racing has positively impacted your life. And THAT is what grows the sport. To grow the sport, we need NEW people, by definition.
So, to those who are participating in the challenge: keep posting, but maybe alter the challenge text, and TELL YOUR STORIES!
Try this:
The 10-day BMX challenge. Every day I select an image(s) from a day in the life of BMX Racing that has had an impact on me, or was a memorable moment, and post it with a brief caption on why it’s important. Then I’ll nominate somebody to take the challenge. That’s 10 days, at least 10 BMX photos (plus the story that goes with them), and at least 10 nominations. Be active, be positive, be passionate… Grow the sport! #bmxracing #bmxchallenge
The stories behind your photos are truly what will help your non-BMX friends understand how important BMX has been in your life, and hopefully, move them off the couch and out to the track.
—Mike
