We exist!

I am writing this letter on behalf of the BMX Association of which I am an active rider. The BMX and skateboarding community has been sidelined for years now. Numerous demonstrations have been held throughout the years to raise awareness about sports, in order to create a stronger community. Yet, needless to say, these were all in vain. We were told fables in order to keep us quiet and our issues were just filed away never to be looked at again - until now that is!

Although we were not informed about the recent press conference held at the Msida subway, we were on the other hand informed that the Ministry for Youth was developing it into a skate-park and garden with a budget of over Lm100,000.

First, congratulations are in order on the step forward towards the world of non-mainstream sport. On the other hand, the BMX Association would like to express its deep disappointment. The only reason we bmxers have such a strong community in Malta is thanks to John Zammit, a very dedicated individual who over 20 years ago saw the need for facilities to cater for such riders. Throughout these 20 years, the track has experienced the following:

Arson - a few years ago vandals saw fit to burn down the only existing half pipe in Malta. This was a great setback to us, as we had ongoing projects which had to be put on hold in order to clear up the mess and restore the ramp. A process which took us months. The little tuck shop we have has been subject to theft so many times that we have lost count. Most of the time nothing of any value was taken as there isn't much to take. But structural damage was caused. A few years ago we had to sign a lease in order to secure our land for the next 49 years, as we were told that the government has interest in developing the existing area which also included the track. This lease costs us Lm300 a year.

We spent a year without a water supply. We were promised help from the same department in the form of soil to be able to resurface the race track. Eventually when it was delivered and spread all over the track we discovered that the entire amount was covered in crushed glass.

The above points are only a highlight of the serious issues we have had to deal with throughout the years.

We understand that we are not the only association on the island, and that is why we are very grateful for the little that we receive from the Malta Sports Council and other generous sponsors. What we do not understand is how we are constantly ignored by the department, the very department that made a public statement that they want to help such sports grow.

What we don't understand is that they deem fit to develop an area in the middle of all that traffic and congestion when there already exist some facilities (thanks to Mr Zammit and us loyal riders).

At present these facilities are kept running thanks to the hard work and contributions in an area which is far healthier for young people. The decision to develop Subway comes across as one without any thought or long-term planning. Our voice needs to be heard! Something must be done.