To mark the launch of the new Kids athletics programme, World Athletics will be celebrating Kids' Athletics Day in May with organisations around the world.

Cook Islands Athletics will host a Kids’ Athletics Day on Friday at the National Stadium from 3 to 4pm for ages four to 14-years-old – inclusive of all abilities.

The vision behind Kids' Athletics 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,” coach and development officer Ruth Tangiiau Mave said.

“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.

“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,” Mave said.

Cook Islands athletics helped provide videos of local children demonstrating various athletics skills and activities to be used worldwide.
 
All activities and resources, designed for use by local athletic schools and clubs, are now available online for free at www.kids-athletics.org.
 
“Kids' Athletics Day has been created to encourage all relevant groups to organise activities in May, which give children the chance to participate in athletics, be active and learn new physical skills and to promote the joy of participating in athletics to the next generation,” Mave said.

“It is envisioned that Kids' Athletics Day will become an annual event on the global calendar, designed to promote physical activity for children every year.”

As part of Kids' Athletics Day, Athletics Cook Islands invites all to explore the new kids athletics 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,” Mave said.

“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 children to join in on May 13 as we celebrate Kids' Athletics Day."