To build enthusiasm and interest ahead of their weekend show, FMX Motocross riders visited a local school on Wednesday, highlighting their sport, career and the excitement of dirt bike tricks.
Three Canadian riders also encouraged the students to work hard in school to achieve their dreams.
But Kris Garwasiuk, rider and promoter, also took the time to highlight the show coming up on Saturday.
“It’s one of those shows you really have to come out and experience,” Garwasiuk told G.H. Dawe Community School students.
“On TV, the visual is just everything you’re looking for, I mean it’s a dirt bike flying 40 feet in the air and our heads are almost in the roof of the Enmax Centrium. To see it first-hand is the way to see it, TV doesn’t do it justice.”
As a part of the show there will also be some top BMX riders and a pyrotechnic show.
“Trust me, the pyro at this show is well worth the price of admission,” said Garwasiuk. The students received free ticket.
But ahead of the show, Garwasiuk and two other riders, Bruce Cook of Kelowna and Billy Kohut of Didsbury, went to the school to talk with students about what they do, how they became riders and how much they enjoy their sport.
“We really like coming and talking to the kids,” said Garwasiuk. “We were that age at one time too and I think they really relate to us, we’re younger, we’re into a cool sport.”
They showed a video of some of their tricks and had two Kawasaki dirt bikes on display.
Even when Garwasiuk is at home, he will go into schools and do this kind of presentation because it is something he enjoys.
“We really like to go out into the communities when we go places and honestly, we’d rather be doing this than sitting in a hotel room anyways,” said Garwasiuk.
While Garwasiuk said the perception is the sport appeals to a younger age demographic, he has seen 90-year-old grandparents come down to pit row and hug the riders.
“It appeals to all ages, the kids love it, dads love it, the only ones that sometimes don’t love it are moms,” said Garwasiuk.
Although part of their job is performances and these riders will go to fairs and events and showcase their talents, Saturday’s show is a competition and the riders will be trying to one-up each other.
“It really pushes guys, there’s always guys trying to do better than the other guy,” said Garwasiuk. “Even though we’re all buddies and we’re kind of good friends, we want to one-up each other and push the limits of our sport. You never know what is going to happen.”
The show takes place on Saturday starting at 7 p.m. at the Centrium, at 4847 19th St. Tickets, available through Ticketmaster or at the Centrium, cost $36 for adults; $19 for youth, aged 11 to 16; and free for kids 10 and under.
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com