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by on 2009-10-31 01:19:04

Subject :IAAF launches kids programme.. 2011-07-14 20:46:17

sportyin

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The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) launched its ‘Kids Athletics' Programme' (KAP) here on Monday in the presence of Mike Powell, the World record holder in long jump.

Founded as part of the Athletics World Plan on the initiative of IAAF President Lamine Diack in 2003, the KAP is created specifically for schools and sports institutions and also for IAAF's member federations.

The programme is basically a team event for children in three categories — sprinting/running, jumping and throwing in the age group of 7-12 and 13-15.

Nirmal Lifestyle, a real estate company, will be IAAF's Indian partner for 10 years. This is the first licensing agreement IAAF has signed with a private party with the purpose of identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots level and with a hope that the trained Indian athletes would win medals at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and in 2020.

The agreement, with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) taken into confidence and support, entails Nirmal Lifestyle to build infrastructure and the IAAF to provide expertise in coaching, coaching tools and equipment.

First phase

The first phase of the programme is set to start in September with IAAF coaches asked to train a select group of Maharashtra-based coaches. “The IAAF has strong established programmes in Europe, USA and Japan. But we were keen on establishing programmes in India.

“Nirmal Lifestyle's thoughts fitted into the KAP. We began talking in 2009 and there's no better time to launch this programme in India when Powell would be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the long jump world record feat at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo.

“The programme would continue in December, January 2012 and March after which evaluations would be done,” said Papa Diack, Marketing Advisor, IAAF.

Launching the programme, Powell said: “These days I have been addressing executives of corporations and school children. And I begin by demonstrating the length I jumped at Tokyo to break Bob Beamon's 23-year old record; not by jumping, but actually by step-length walking.

“I am a fan of athletics. I have a connection with Indian athletics because of my coaching stint with Anju Bobby George. I wish her good luck if she is planning a comeback after becoming a mother. I have interest in Indian athletics and I hope to be part of the success story through this KAP.”

Nirmal Lifestyle will establish three facilities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and two across India.

“The aim is to bring sports into the mainstream of our lifestyle, tap and nurture talent so that India can win medals at Rio in 2016 and in 2020. That is our pledge,'' said Dharmesh Jain, Chairman and MD, Nirmal Lifestyle.