Extreme sports
The Department of Sport and Recreation recently contracted a consultant to research the issues surrounding extreme/challenge activities in Western Australia.
Governments worldwide do not fully understand what comprises challenge activities, or the issues surrounding facilitation for these emerging activities.
By their nature, extreme activities are dynamic, innovative and not constrained by any particular set of parameters. Challenge activities are more about pushing physical boundaries, entertainment, flair and self expression with a backdrop of music, fashion and urban culture.
Often events are injected with a true festival flavour, with live bands, DJs, and MC talent integrated into the sporting area and supporting creative flair, with graffiti art demonstrations and the like.
Challenge activities often have environmental, educational, health and physical activity aspects.
The activities present issues surrounding governance, representation, risk management, funding, commercialisation, social and economic impact, land access, accreditation, registration and codes of conduct.
This in turn presents challenges for government entities to progress a policy agenda for sport and recreation inclusive of challenge activity. A research agenda will help clarify the scope and issues surrounding activities to assist in determining recommendations for the progression of policy and ongoing support.
Geordie Thompson
Manager Recreation Services
Department of Sport and Recreation
246 Vincent Street, LEEDERVILLE WA 6007
PO Box 329, LEEDERVILLE WA 6903
Telephone (08) 9492 9718
Facsimile (08) 9492 9711
Email Geordie
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