X-treme sports in Jakarta and Bandung
X-treme sports in Jakarta and Bandung
JAKARTA (JP): Cycling and skateboarding are two common
activities. But both can be special with extraordinary style and
acrobatics which make them X-treme sports.
To attract the attention of the youths to these sports, PT
Philips Electronics Indonesia invited professional BMC riders Pat
Miller and Joe Paecy and skateboarders Mike Peterson and Choppy
Omega, all from the United States to demonstrate their talents in
Indonesia.
They will show off their high skills on a quarter-circle ramp
for about 30 minutes in two sessions everyday in the tree-day BMX
and skateboard competition in Senayan eastern parking lot from
Oct. 20 to Oct. 22 and in Bandung's Saparua sport hall from Oct.
27 to Oct. 29.
Peterson told a press conference Tuesday that the most
important thing in the sport was to have fun.
"It's important to have fun. I understand the sport is on the
rise here and that's exactly why you need to enjoy the sport
first," he said.
"Once you've enjoyed the sport, it's easier for you to develop
your skills."
Meanwhile, biker Miller said it was not important to create
new styles as each biker already had his own style.
"The way you drive is different from me or your friends, so
it's not important," he said. "Besides, when you think that you
have created your own style, it's possible that somebody else has
used it before."
A local skateboarder, Indra Leonardo, said he got interested
in the sport because of imitating his older brother.
"I was just following my older brother but then I got hooked
on skateboarding," he said.
"My parents and school support my activity because I carry the
school's name in competition," added Indra, a third year student
at the Mekar junior school.
Indra receives Rp 500,000 to Rp 600,000 per month from his
sponsor and various tournaments.
Meanwhile, Phillips' company president Chandra Putra said that
staging the competition was one market strategy to attract the
young generation to the company's products.
"Philips Rush-X is only part of our efforts to get closer with
the youngsters. That's why we decided to hold the competitions
which are popular among youngsters," he said.
"Philips hopes this event will help to create discipline and
sportsmanship in order to create a high-quality future
generation," he added.
The competition starts with practice sessions on Fridays,
semifinals on Saturdays, and finals on Sundays. There will also
be live music from local bands. The organizers have also provided
prizes and quizzes for spectators.
The competition previously has been held in Singapore and
Bangkok. After Indonesia, the next stop will be Manila. (nvn)