As part of activities marking World Athletics’ Kids Athletics Day 2022, SEEDAfrique, Liquid Sports Ghana and the Greater Accra Athletics Association have held a fun-filled Kids Athletics clinic at T.I. Ahmadiya International School at Ashongman, Accra on Wednesday, 11th May 2022.

The event was meant to commemorate the launch of the new Kids’ Athletics programme by World Athletics which took place on 7 May around the world.

According to World Athletics, the vision of the programme is the “belief that every child is born to move, to play, to explore. No matter where they are in the world, no matter their individual circumstances, it’s their fundamental right to have access to sport.”

There was much to cheer and be excited about on the football-size school field at T.I. Ahmadiya International. The children were taken through an initial warm-up session by the Co-Founder of SEEDAfrique James Billy Dega before being joined by the President of the Greater Accra Athletics Association (GAAA) Christopher Amankrah.

The kids were taken through demonstrations for the horizontal, vertical throws and jumps, and the sprints before being allowed to practice same.

One of the key highlights of the session was the special competition between the boys and girls groups from 7 years to 9 years.

It will be recalled that the Co-founder of SEEDAfrique, Billy James Dega was adjudged as one of the winners of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s Fit for Life Photo contest for the year 2021.

Dega’s entry was made up of photos from an awe-inspiring sports science day at Calvary Stars Academy in Dansoman-Accra, and a one-day Sports Clinic at the Tennis Court at the Accra Sports stadium. The latter event also involved a special Kids Athletics programme.

Expanded and redesigned Kids’ Athletics

Meanwhile, through the expanded and redesigned Kids’ Athletics programme, World Athletics aims to provide resources to countries around the world that will help local organisations to teach children how to move, inspire them to move more and to move together.

It is noted that the programme has been redeveloped to incorporate a wider age range (between four and 14) and is structured over three levels, teaching both fundamental and athletics-specific skills through a range of activities designed to maximise fun and participation.

According to World Athletic, all activities and resources, designed for use by Member Federations, schools and clubs, are now available online for free at kids-athletics.org

As part of Kids’ Athletics Day, World Athletics is encouraging Member Federations, clubs, schools and other related organisations to explore the new Kids’ Athletics resources and activities and try them out.

“At World Athletics, our vision is to use the power and accessibility of athletics and our athletes to create a healthier and fitter world. That begins with the children, as habits learned early remain habits for life,” said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe. “Kids’ Athletics Day is an initiative we have created to promote healthy lifestyles to children around the world.

“As a foundation sport, athletics gives children the physical skills that will enable them to move and explore. It’s a way to open up their world by giving them confidence in their physical abilities. We want all children to get out there and get moving so they live happier and healthier lives, so I would like to encourage all of our Member Federations and athletics fans across the globe to join in on 7 May as we celebrate Kids’ Athletics Day.”

Per the statement from World Athletics, Groups celebrating Kids’ Athletics Day are being asked to post photos and videos of their activities on social media on 7 May, using the hashtags #KidsAthleticsDay and #BorntoMove to make this a truly global celebration.

Mascot competition

World Athletics is also launching a global competition for a mascot design to promote the new Kids’ Athletics programme. We invite young people aged between four and 14 from all around the world to design our mascot.

Entries will be judged in categories for ages 4-7, 8-11 and 12-14, with prizes on offer for shortlisted entries and age group winners. One overall winner will then be chosen and their design brought to life as the Kids’ Athletics mascot.

For information about how to enter and what makes a good mascot, please visit the mascot competition page.

The closing date for entries is 12 pm CEST on Friday 10 June 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

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