Rider Update:
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Hi BMXr's
Well, I am sure most have heard by now of the unfortunate incident at the track last night as we are getting ton's of e-mail of concern and offers of assistance. Here is an update:
I was informed this morning via a family friend that Riley went for surgery last night and for the most part all went well. There are understandibly some things that they still have to deal with further but the doctors are optimistic of a good recovery.
We first and foremost want to thank everyone who lended their hand yesterday to help with the situation and how well it was handled. Riley was amazing and apparently was quite excited about the ride in the ambulance as well as receiving a big teddy bear once he arrived at the Children's Hospital. With the families permission, I will forward updates as I hear them.
The Okotoks BMX Club wants to assure all riders and their families that we are in the process of investigating this incident and will have a full report to give once everything has been finalized. I apologize for any delay's in passing on information but we do need to make sure that everything is handled thoroughly and we were also awaiting proper consent from the family to release any information.
Until further notice, the Gate at the track will not be in use until the investigation is complete and corrective action has been taken. We are positive that this was in no way caused by human error and no one is to blame for the incident. We want to assure parents and riders that we take all precautions to make our sport as safe as possible but unforseen inccidents such as last night can happen at any sport.
As for our forthcoming dates, we plan on continuing with practicing on Mondays and Tuesdays and Wednesday night racing but as stated earlier the gate will not be in use. I know that this incident has affected many riders and parents but feel the best way to move forward is to have the kids keep up with the program albeit with a different format (foot down starts and other improvisions).
This was an unfortunate but isolated incident and we are committed to making sure this process is handled promptly, effectivly and professionally. There are also a few other things we are in the process of setting up so if anyone has any feedback, feel free to e-mail me or give me a call.
*** We are looking into having some counciling/assistance for those who were effected by this. We will have more info soon so if you feel the need, we will do our best to make that available. Thank you to all the people who forwarded on contact information for this.
*** I have had numerous e-mails regarding ways to help the Zeer family and we are in the process of setting up a trust fund for donations to be made during this difficult time.
*** Okotoks BMX has sent up a basket of fruit, teddy bears, balloons, flowers and candy to Riley and family on behalf of all parents, volunteers, riders and board of directors of Okotoks BMX. This will be delivered Friday morning to them at the hospital.
*** We will also be sending out an e-mail to all the other clubs to inform them of this incident so all are aware of this potential. We have been in contact with Alberta Bicycle Association as well as Alberta BMX and informed them also.
*** Ken Cools (Camp Cools) is looking at doing a camp at the track in the near future to assist in raising funds for the family so we will have more info on that later.
*** We will be holding a parent's forum/meeting to answer any questions you may have regarding this incident and to help clarify what happened and to ensure all are given the correct information rather than speculation. We will inform of a date, time & location soon.
The BMX community is 2nd to none when it comes to pulling together in a time of need. It amazes me how time and time again, people step up when a BMX family member is down and how well everyone works together. It is a horrible way for one to start such a terrific sport and we can only hope that there be no long lasting negative effects to our riders, spectators and sport.
Thank you for your thoughts and I will pass this onto the family.
Steve Mysek
President
Okotoks BMX Club
933-2872
www.okotoksbmx.com |
