Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Tokyo Governor KOIKE Yuriko and OGATA Mitsugi Ogata, President of the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) welcomed World Athletics President Sebastian Coe to Tokyo on Kids’ Athletics Day on Wednesday, it was announced by the organizers of the World Athletics Championships (WCH).

The World Championships will be held in Tokyo in September and Wednesday’s event was aimed at promoting this year’s Championships and “inspiring children around the world.”

WCH said the aim of the World Athletics Championships and Kids’ Athletics Day is “to inspire hope and deliver dreams to as many people as possible by giving children, the leaders of tomorrow, the chance to experience world-class athletes.”

The WCH and Tokyo Government initiatives include invitations to attend live competitions, opportunities to participate in athletics activities and gain experience behind the scenes of the Championships. 

“Kids’ Athletics is a key strategic priority for World Athletics as we look to inspire the next generation of athletes to get active and create a healthier and fitter world,” Lord Coe said. 

As part of WCH Tokyo 25’s “Baton Project,” relay batons will be donated to all 1,400 elementary schools across Tokyo, encouraging students to organize and participate in their own relay events. This grassroots initiative aims to deepen young people’s connection to athletics and promote teamwork and physical activity.

World Athletics has designated May 7 as Kids’ Athletics Day, setting a new theme each year that encourages children worldwide to participate.