Kenia wins children’s athletics day relay throughout the Challenge World Cup

Athletics Kenia has been selected as the Children’s Athletics Day Federation after contributing almost a quarter of the participants in the ‘relay worldwide’.

Around the world, more than 600,000 children in the six continental areas participated in more than 1200 activations to promote children’s athletics day, a global day dedicated to celebrating active children and young people by participating in athletics.

This year’s theme, Relay worldwide, was inspired by the world relay of athletics in Guangzhou, China, which will take place this weekend. The challenge, which extended from April 6 to children’s athletics day on May 7, was the largest and most inclusive children’s athletics participation activity so far, with a goal of 500,000 children who participated throughout the world, and was designed to inspire the athletes of tomorrow and make the children move everywhere.

The final baton was delivered to the world medalist and Olympic his Bingtian, the world of world athletics in Guangzhou 25 ambassador, in an event today (9) with 100 schoolchildren from Guangzhou.

The member federations were encouraged to participate in the Relay Around the World Challenge, with the organizer of the best activations, measures by a combination of participation rates, levels of participation in social networks and general innovation, which receives the prize of a prize of US $ 10,000 to be used to promote and activate the athletics of children (or an equivalent youth activity) in their country.

Of the 120 participating member federations, Kenya emerged at the top. Six hundred coaches, teachers and volunteers of multi -county schools and clubs from all over the country organized broadcasting events of Athletics for Children, reaching more than 140,500 children.

With an additional approach to sustainability, Kenya’s children planted trees as a way of promoting a conducive sports environment and the mitigating effects of climate change. Most activations also use or created equipment from sustainable and recyclable sources. For example, the canes were made of cardboard, and the obstacles were made of hay bullets and piles of grass. Athletics Kenia was able to communicate with so many children thanks to associations with the governments of County and the Ministry of Education.

The president of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, said: “We are extremely proud to have broken our goal and more than 600,000 children participated in relays in the six continental areas in more than 1200 activations.

“Congratulations to Kenya and all the member federations that participated in the challenge, but also to all athletics, school and individual clubs that participated. We could not have done this without you.”

The president of Athletics Kenia, Jackson Tuwei, said: “We are delighted to be appointed the winner of the challenge of the Federation of Children’s Athletics Day. With the support of our athletics instructors for children trained nationwide, Athletics Kenia mobilized thousands of children through schools and community associations, offering children’s opportunities to participate in Athletics Structured, promotion of physical development, the development of the team and a spirit of fun.

“The Athletics Program for Children in Kenya has become a cornerstone of our base development strategy, playing a vital role in identifying talent and instilling an appreciation for life for sport and healthy life.”

Costa Rica and Norway were appointed runners -up, each received US $ 5,000 to support the athletics of children in their countries. Costa Rica celebrated with national relays, involving more than 106,000 children. In almost one day, Norway organized a school relay throughout the country, reaching more than 98,000 children.

Children’s athletics day is the cornerstone of the Base Participation Program of World Athletics, the athletics of children. Its objective is to inspire children worldwide to be active, develop skills and trust, and connect with life sport.

Member federations, clubs and schools are encouraged to join the Athletics Program for Children throughout the year. You can find more information in the World Athletics website.