NEWS

Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tries his hand at BMX cycling alongside Team GB's Shanaze Reade

19-10-2015

Arsenal midfielder and BT Sport ambassador Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain took to the BMX track on Wednesday at Burgess Park, London as he helped launch a partnership between BT Sport’s charitable initiative The Supporters Club and Access Sport.

The partnership will see The Supporters Club back Access Sports across two of their programmes, including The Ignite Project – a programme that works to up skill community clubs and volunteers with the tools, knowledge and support necessary to ensure disabled young people are welcomed into community sport so that they can enjoy it's many benefits.

Alongside former BMX Champion and Olympian Shanaze Reade, Alex gave the children a chance to have a Q&A with the stars, ride alongside them and compete with their heroes.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain said "It’s been a while since I rode a BMX bike and I loved it. Shanaze was a good sport and I enjoyed managing to outpace her too!"

Adam Thomas, Club Development Manager, said “I truly believe that anyone no matter their disability, affluency, background, gender or age should have access to a wide range of sport. Access Sport’s Ignite Programme has this ethos & mission running through its core, allowing disabled young people the chance to shine through the power of sport. The Supporters Club funding will help us transform the lives of even more disabled young people. Inclusive BMX is a great way to do just this, whether you’re on a two or three wheeled bike it’s still One pedal at a time.”

Alex was also kind enough to sign an Arsenal football for Abby from Brent Knoll SEN school, who is a HUGE Arsenal fan, but unfortunately could not attend the event as she is seriously ill fighting cancer.

Thank you to Brent Knoll & Drumbeat SEN schools for taking part in the event, thank you to all teaching staff from both schools and the track team at Burgess Park BMX track