This week in the Tales from the Berm, we place the spotlight on the exceptional support from the #BMXA family for Kai Sakakibara and his family in this truly difficult time. From fundraisers to constant heart-warming messages, the support across the nation is truly remarkable.
Just over two weeks ago, during his first moto of the third round of the UCI BMX SX World Cup, Kai Sakakibara fell on the second berm and was treated for head injuries before being airlifted to Canberra hospital.
Since then, Kai has been placed in a medically induced coma for the last two weeks. The rallying of the BMX community nationally and globally in support of Kai has been astonishing and has not faded.
Stay Strong, Kai 🙏
#kaifight77Posted by BMX Sports WA on Saturday, 15 February 2020
The hashtag #KaiFight77 has been shared thousands of times globally, all in support of Kai and his family. Clubs from small to large have been doing their best to keep Kai in their thoughts from fundraisers at Ballarat Sebastapool, Hawkesbury, Macarthur and plenty more to Kai’s hometown club Southlake/Illawarra, dedicating lane 7 to Kai’s number 77.
❤️ For Kai
First drop of the new barrel gate @ Southlake!
Dedicated lane 7 for 77 – DK and Southlake teammate Cooper…
Posted by Southlake Illawarra BMX Club on Friday, 21 February 2020
@KaiFight77 the Facebook page has been established, hitting close to 1000 followers since its inception 10 days ago. The page has done a remarkable job organising a fundraiser night set for March 7th for Kai and his family.
This will be coupled with an online auction that has the backing of pro riders globally such as the Smulders sisters, Brooke Crain, Rachel Jones and Jesse Smith, in an attempt to get donations of anything to auction off from around the world. On top of that, Adam Carey and his business ‘20inch training’ are putting a 4-week personalised program up for auction.
#KaiFight77 stickers have been popping up on helmets and bikes across the nation, with all proceeds going towards Kai. Close to 300 sold at the NSW state series yesterday with all states and various clubs soon receiving the template in order to make their own.
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Castle hill state series today supporting Kai. #Kaifight77 #bmx #bmxkids #bmxracing #castlehill
Posted by Southlake Illawarra BMX Club on Sunday, 23 February 2020
Paula Griffiths, the creator the Facebook page, said she knew the support would be fantastic, but the generosity of the whole BMX community has been something else.
“People have been so generous, even people outside the BMX community, the reach of the Sakakibara family is something else.” Griffiths said.
You can follow the page HERE.
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#kaifight77
Come the canteen, write a message for Kai and add it to our #kaifight77 board.
We’ll be collecting these messages over the next few weeks and sending them to Kai and his family.
Posted by Nerang Bmx on Thursday, 20 February 2020
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Shout outs!
Across the weekend there were an abundance of events across the nation, with the first round of the Tassie state series taking place, the second round of the NSW state series drawing over 700 entries and over 23 events taking place on Friday night!
The Ballarat Rebellion took place over the weekend as well, with current Mayor of Ballarat Ben Taylor facing off against Des Hudson, the former Mayor of Ballarat. Taylor took the chocolates, producing the fastest ever time ever for a council member!
This was just a little bit awesome!
Mayor of Ballarat Ben VS Councillor Des Hudson
Who did you think would win?
Posted by Ballarat Sebastopol BMX club on Sunday, 23 February 2020
DON’T FORGET!!
Entries are still open for BMX Australia’s events, with the second round of the national series at Nerang this Saturday – entries close TONIGHT at 11PM, so enter now – HERE!
For all BMXA events – CLICK HERE.
EVENTS ACROSS THE NATION
Friday, February 21
Saturday, February 22
Sunday, February 23
