More Than a Race: BMX Camp Brings Joy and Growth to Refugee Teens

A Pause in Resettlement Sparks New Ideas

Many people ask what World Relief Spokane has been doing since there have been no new resettlement cases since January. This lull in new arrivals has given our staff time to dream up new opportunities to serve existing clients. One such inspired dreamer is Robby Cannon, our Initial Healthcare Coordinator. Out-of-the-box thinking led Robby to spearhead the start of a BMX camp for refugee teens in partnership with Spokane BMX.

“I did BMX as a kid and have fond memories of it. I drive by a BMX track twice a day, and we had some kids standing around in a parking lot with nothing to do. The rest was just God making it happen.”

-Robby Cannon

The Birth of the BMX Camp

When asked how he came up with the idea, Robby said, “I did BMX as a kid and have fond memories of it. I drive by a BMX track twice a day, and we had some kids standing around in a parking lot with nothing to do. The rest was just God making it happen.” And make it happen, God did! Within days of the idea, a large cash donation came in to support the program. People were eager to sell bikes at reduced prices once they heard what Robby needed them for. A call for helmet donations was answered almost immediately. And soon, the riders were ready to join.

Stories of the Riders

One racer, Mustafa Hassan, is a student at Shadle Park High School. He arrived in Spokane nine months ago after spending most of his life in a refugee camp in Kenya. His father, Hassan, was very glad that his son was able to participate in the program. Hassan worked very hard in Kenya to provide for his family, both as a farmer and interpreter for UNHCR and IOM. His desire is to give his family opportunities to grow and thrive. The BMX program provided that for Mustafa. “This was his first time racing a bicycle. At the beginning he went slow. By the end he could go fast and over jumps. He won a trophy,” Hassan said. “Maybe his siblings can participate in the future.”

Cousins Ahmat and Abakar also enjoyed their time at the BMX track very much. The six weeks of learning to race, which culminated in a trophy ceremony and pizza party, built their confidence to take on new challenges. When these boys return to school this fall, the unique experience of BMX racing will transfer to their studies, helping them persevere through learning new and difficult things.

“This was his first time racing a bicycle. At the beginning he went slow. By the end he could go fast and over jumps. He won a trophy,”

-Hassan

Creating Memorable Opportunities

So, while we wait to welcome new refugees to Spokane, we are working hard at creating memorable opportunities for our current clients and their families. We let the memories, gifts, and skills that God has given us inspire us to create helpful (and adventurous) experiences for our new friends. Thank you, Robby, for leading the way