José Garcia Grossocordón, responsible for Junior and Youth activities
at the federation, explains that, like Kids’ Athletics, Playing
Athletics participants use a variety of modified equipment, which can
be set up in sports halls and other non-traditional athletics
facilities for running, jumping and throwing competitions that
introduce athletics in a simple and fun way
The programme, which is supported by government initiatives as well as
the major Spanish food brand Grupo Leche Pascual, is integrated into
the athletics activities of each of Spain’s autonomous regions.
Competitions for six to 12 year-olds take place during the school year
in local, regional, and provincial rounds before a national Playing
Athletics finals.
A total of 612 schools competed during the school year 2007-2008. The
finals took place in Antequera, Malaga, on 24 May 2008 – also the
IAAF’s World Athletics Day – and some 200 pupils from 40 primary
schools participated.
Well-known athletes like pole vaulter Dana Cervantes and decathlete
“scar González were present to cheer the competitors on and perhaps
check out their future competition. Grossocordón reports that 11 of the
young athletes taking part in the 2005 final went on to compete in the
Spanish Youth (ages 14 and 15) Championships in 2008, with one winning
a medal.
The federation has produced two publications and five DVDs to provide
basic information about the programme and serve as a basis for
adaptation to meet local needs. Individual schools are free to add
events, and clubs are invited to run competitions and related
activities for other age groups.
According to Grossocordón, after only four years Playing Athletics has
led to the recovery of athletics in schools and strong interest on the
part of students. The number of participants has increased each year
and results gathered by the regional federations show that more than
19,000 pupils have taken part, although the actual total may be higher.
Playing Athletics is a key element of the federation’s youth strategy,
which in turn echoes the IAAF strategy: to make athletics the number
one participatory sport in schools; to develop athletics-based health
and fitness programmes that can be used at all levels; and to create
fun athletics for children.
“Our future plans are to continue to increase the number of
participants and to encourage greater involvement of the governments of
the autonomous regions.”
Fact File | |
Programme: | Jugando al Atletismo (Playing Athletics) |
Organiser: | Real Fedeación de Atletismo (Spanish Athletic Federation) |
Start Date: | 2004 |
Target Group: | 6 to 12-year-olds |
Participants in 2008: | 612 |
Support: | Government, Grupo Leche Pascual |
More Information: | José Garcia Grossocordón [email protected] |