American Freestyle Motocross Association Established

Press Release from AFXMA

Athletes and Action Sports Leaders Take Proactive Role in Promoting Safety Regulations and Cultivating Overall Growth in Freestyle Motocross and Affiliated Events

Irvine, CA - The American Freestyle Motocross Association (AFMXA), a collective of Freestyle Motocross riders and action sports industry leaders, today announced its official launch as an organization established to manage, protect and develop the sport of freestyle motocross at both the professional and recreational levels. Inspired in memory of American freestyle rider, X Games gold medalist and Metal Mulisha team member, Jeremy Lusk, the AFMXA is dedicated to improving rider safety, preparation and education through programs and services that will assist athletes in improving their skills and experience in the sport. Additionally, the Association is committed to increasing awareness around medical treatment, emergency response planning and training at events worldwide.

With interest from recreational riders, corporate partners and action sports companies around the globe, the AFMXA was organized in an effort to create a unified voice at all sanctioned and non-sanctioned freestyle motocross events, parks, facilities and demonstrations; and implement a safer environment for athletes. The Association will encourage neck braces for riders; report on standards for suitable weather conditions and proper ramp landings at events; assist with providing trained on-site and on-call medical assistance; and prepare safety policies and emergency response plans. In addition to providing guidelines for safer practices, the AFMXA will host an annual awards ceremony to recognize top athletes and companies for their accomplishments and influence on the sport.

The Association's advisory board consists of prominent figures in the action sports and medical industries, including Metal Mulisha founder and most decorated Freestyle Motocross rider in X Games history, Brian Deegan; CEO of La Jolla Group, Toby Bost; ESPN's Lizz Leach; Ryan Hagy, Cameron Steele, Dr. Pete Katsyiannis, and Dr. Gus Gialamas,among others.

"With the tragic death of Jeremy Lusk, it became clear that this sport, which has grown significantly over the last few years, needed an Association to develop and oversee stricter safety guidelines," said Toby Bost. "The AFMXA works to define racing rules and evolve the sport for athletes and supporters. As corporate sponsors, it's our responsibility to do more than just put our product on riders. We need to be activists for the industry as a whole -- and that means being proactively involved in establishing processes that enable freestyle moto to keep growing."

"The AFMXA is the voice of all freestyle riders and the time has come for us to properly organize our sport -- it starts with safety," commented Brian Deegan. "It's also about time that athletes and industry leaders are recognized for their achievements and dedication. I look forward to the positive changes this Association and its members are going to make for freestyle motocross."

Earlier this year, the Lusk Legacy Foundation was established to help improve overall safety in the sport, protect the livelihoods of riders and their families, and provide them with legal, medical and financial consultation and representation. The Lusk Legacy Foundation has been named the official charitable organization for the AFMXA.

On July 30th at 5pm PST, ESPN will broadcast a special presentation on Jeremy Lusk and the AFMXA. For further information, visit www.afmxa.com.