WORLD ATHLETICS UNVEILS 4-YEAR PLAN

MBABANE – It’s a future development strategy for all 214 member federations for a four-year period. With the reopening of its headquarters this week, World Athletics has taken the opportunity to discuss with its 214 member federations its new strategic plan to drive growth, and the latest medical advice on the coronavirus pandemic, particularly as it impacts on athletes returning to training and competition.

In three online meetings that spanned the globe yesterday, World Athletics and its member federations discussed the direction the sport would take over the next four years and the short-term challenges and opportunities the sport has as the world begins to emerge from lockdown.

Situation

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who chaired the meetings, said it was important to communicate regularly with the member federations in this unprecedented situation and to give direction for the future.
“Our head office may have been closed for 11 weeks but we have not been idle,” Coe said.

He said they had used that time to continue to develop a strategy to grow athletics. A huge amount of work was invested in developing a four-year strategic plan led by our CEO Jon Ridgeon and with input and involvement from everyone at the headquarters. These include the executive Board, area presidents, commission chairs and commissions. This is an exceptional body of work that focuses on developing the sport globally, and includes some innovative plus creative ideas to drive growth in athletics. He said this was the type of roadmap that World Athletics needed to bring together all stakeholders with a single vision, mission and clear priorities.

“Over the next few months we have an unprecedented opportunity on the back of the increased physical activity of people in lockdown. The latest research from runrepeat.com shows that exercise has increased by 88 per cent during lockdown and running and walking has topped the tables.

We need to inspire these people to continue the habits they have learned and we will with our own campaigns but also by embracing campaigns that many others in our sport are driving,” said Coe.
Both Coe and Ridgeon will be working from the headquarters in Monaco from next week. The key elements of the strategic plan include a vision which is to use the power and accessibility of athletics to create a healthier and fitter world. Their mission is to be exemplary and lead as a well-governed sports federation that takes brave leadership decisions and value partnerships that deliver athletics around the world. They plan on growing the sport and making it relevant in people’s lives in their various communities.

Regular

The full strategic plan will be available by the end of this month. World Athletics will continue to host regular online meetings with member federations and stakeholders to keep everyone informed and discuss issues of mutual interest as they navigate through these challenging times.

Eswatini Athletics Association (EAA) President Zakhele Dlamini said the development plans made by World Athletics would benefit the kingdom of Eswatini as a developing country.
“Any development in place is beneficial to us as a country. We had goals that were disturbed by COVID-19, which include identifying and promoting young talent hence we established regional committees to host competitions across the country,” said Dlamini.

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