World Athletics Day(WAD) is annually observed across the globe in the month of May to create awareness about athletics and encourage youngsters to take up sports.
The day is annually observed by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), formerly (1912–2001) International Amateur Athletic Federation.
The IAAF marks the WAD 2021 on 7th May 2021.
Note:
In 2019 the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) was renamed World Athletics.
Aim:
To promote athletics as a primary sport in schools and institutions.
Background:
i.The World Athletics Day was initiated by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) to promote the participation of youngsters in athletics.
ii.The day was launched under the social responsibility project of IAAF – “Athletics for a Better World”.
iii.The first World Athletics Day was celebrated in 1996 and the event was launched by Primo Nebiolo, the President of IAAF (from 1981 to 1999).
Events:
The first World Athletics day was themed around the centennial edition of the Olympic games held in Atlanta, United States.
World Athletics Championships:
The World Athletics Championships 2021 will be hosted in Eugene(Oregon), United States of America(USA) in 2022 and the next World Athletics championship will be hosted in Budapest, Hungary (2023).
Note:
The World Athletics Championships is held every two years, the 2021 championship has been postponed and will take place in July 2022.
About World Athletics:
World Athletics was formerly known as International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and International Amateur Athletic Federation(IAAF).
President- Sebastian Coe
Headquarters- Monaco
