World Athletics Day is annually celebrated across the globe on May 7, to raise awareness among children and young people, about the importance of fitness and encourage them to play sports, especially athletics. The day emphasizes, significance of sports and its beneficial effects on mental and physical health.
- The annual observance is led by the World Athletics Organization, formerly the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) (2001-2019), and the International Amateur Athletic Federation (1912 – 2001).
Background:
i.IAAF, the international governing body for the sport of track and field athletics, introduced World Athletics Day as a social responsibility titled “Athletics for a Better World”.
ii.IAAF was established on July 17, 1912, in Stockholm, Sweden.
iii.The first ever World Athletics Day was celebrated on 15th May 1996, which witnessed the participation of 50 nations.
- It was initiated by Primo Nebiolo, the then-president of IAAF.
Significance:
i.The day emphasizes the value of sporting events as a universally accessible activity, regardless of the result.
ii.It also emphasizes the importance of participating in sports, including school sports, road running, and social duty.
iii.It also encourages the people to be conscious of the environment and how it affects people’s physical capabilities.
Kids Athletics Day:
Kids Athletics Day is annually observed across the globe on May 7 to encourage kids to play sports, especially athletics from an early age.
- Kids’ Athletics Day is an important feature of the World Kids’ Athletics Programme, a free and exciting programme to inspire children and young people across the world.
Background of Kids Athletics:
i.Kids Athletics, created in 2002, is one of the biggest grassroot development programmes in the world of sport.
ii.The programme has been implemented by more than 150 Member Federations and has reached a cumulative audience of more than 13 million children and young people.
iii.Kids’ Athletics, developed by coaches, teachers,and young people around the world, offers uniquely fun, inspiring and quality experience for children aged between 4 and 14.
About World Athletics:
President – Sebastian Coe
Headquarters – Monaco
Establishment – 1912
